The Kingdom of Spain to host World Pulses Day celebration in 2026

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) facilitates the global observance of the World Pulses Day in collaboration with other relevant partners to underscore the critical importance of these crops in the quest for global food security and nutrition. 

FAO and the Kingdom of Spain are collaborating in the organization of this year’s observance, which is scheduled for 10 February 2026 at the Miguel Delibes Cultural Centre in Valladolid, Spain. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development of the Regional Government of Castile and León is facilitating the event, which will be only the second time that this United Nations-designated observance will be held outside FAO Headquarters – an eloquent testimony to Spain’s strong commitment to sustainable agrifood systems.

Pulses, and legumes in general, offer a sustainable option for diversifying agricultural production systems, contributing to healthy soils, promote biodiversity, and support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Despite their potential, pulses remain poorly represented in cropping systems. Although hundreds of varieties of pulses exist, only a limited number are cultivated at significant scales.

Additionally, their per capita consumption has declined in both developed and developing countries. This decline is largely due to shifts in dietary patterns and consumer preferences, as well as the inability of domestic production to keep pace with demographic growth in many countries. “We are trying to reverse these trends and in this year’s celebration, we aim to highlight the true value of these crops,” said Yurdi Yasmi, Director of the FAO Plant Production and Protection Division, noting that the Day is about boosting the sustainable production and consumption of pulses.

“Pulses are a very important food crops and, in the Autonomous Community of Castile and León, we are committed to promoting them,” said María González Corral, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development of the Regional Government of Castile and León.

The event will be held at the Miguel Delibes Cultural Centre in Valladolid, Spain. © Centro Cultural Miguel Delibes de Valladolid, España