FAO Highlights Legumes’ Key Role in Agri-Food Systems

On World Legume Day 2025, FAO highlighted legumes' essential role in transforming global agri-food systems by promoting sustainability, nutrition, and agricultural productivity, while also supporting livelihoods.

Qu Dongyu, Director General, FAO, highlighted the role of legumes in enhancing biodiversity within agri-food systems, crop rotations, and diets amid rising food insecurity, with one in 11 people experiencing hunger worldwide in 2023. “Legumes are strategic crops, especially when we need to produce more with fewer resources. They improve agricultural productivity while reducing environmental impacts. Rich in nutrients, including proteins, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals, legumes contribute to better production, nutrition, the environment, and livelihoods, leaving no one behind,” said Dongyu.

World Legume Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, is observed annually on Feb. 10 to raise awareness of the crucial role legumes play in food security, agriculture, health, climate change, and biodiversity. Despite their importance, global per capita consumption of legumes remains low at just 7.77kg annually.

“As we transform agri-food systems to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, legumes stand out as seeds of hope, offering a range of benefits for nutrition, the environment, and the economy. Each of us can play a role in boosting the sustainable production and consumption of legumes, from the farm to the table,” said Yurdi Yasmi, Director General of Plant Production and Protection Division, FAO.