A former iron sand mine transformed into a terraced agro-silvo-pastoral system, a landscape of stone-walled citrus orchards in Japan, and an iconic Mediterranean terraced system on the steep coastal slopes of Italy are the latest additions to the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), bringing the number of such sites to more than 100 worldwide in the year that FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary.
These systems were formally designated under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) flagship programme during a meeting of the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group on August 26. With these three new additions, the global agricultural heritage network now includes 102 systems across 29 countries, with Japan reaching 17 sites and Italy adding its third.
These dynamic and resilient systems embody rich agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, invaluable cultures, and landscapes, sustainably managed by farmers, herders, fisherfolk, and forest communities in ways that support local livelihoods and food security.
"FAO is honoured to welcome these exceptional new sites into the family of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. Each site stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of rural and agricultural communities, showcasing sustainable farming practices that have been carefully maintained and adapted through generations," said Kaveh Zahedi, Director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment at the FAO.
Lemon Orchards and the Terraced Agricultural System in Amalfi
Perched on steep terraces of Italy's Amalfi Coast, centuries-old farming communities have shaped a striking landscape of lemon groves, olive trees, and vineyards overlooking the sea. The iconic "Sfusato Amalfitano" lemon is grown under chestnut pergolas using manual techniques and harvested by so-called "flying farmers" - a term coined by the way they balance and walk along the pergolas during harvest.
Terraces built with dry-stone walls prevent erosion, stabilize the land, and help regulate water and temperature. This territory holds up to 800 lemon trees per hectare, yielding up to 35 tons using low-input, pesticide-free methods. It is also rich in biodiversity, with over 970 plant species, including rare Mediterranean flora.
Women play a key role, contributing to farm labour and traditions in this system. The terraced system is also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site, serving as powerful example of sustainable Mediterranean mountain agriculture.
The Stone Terraced Mikan Orchard System of Arida-Shimotsu Region, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
In the mountainous Arida-Shimotsu region of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, generations of farming families have cultivated mikan (Citrus unshiu) for over 400 years. This traditional system is built on stone terraced orchards, adapted to steep slopes and the region's humid subtropical climate. The terraces maintain vital soil and water functions and support more than 30 mikan varieties adapted to local microclimates.
Rooted in small-scale family farming using time-tested methods, the system preserves traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change. Traditional techniques and dry-stone walls help to regulate drainage, retain heat and prevent cold damage, while beekeeping, forestry, and intercropping with vegetables contribute to food security and economic resilience.
Festivals, culinary traditions, and stories associated with mikan varieties reflect the cultural practices and collective values in Arida.
In Japan's Okuizumo region, degraded soils from former iron sand mining were transformed into terraced rice fields nourished by centuries-old, community-managed irrigation canals. There, farmers developed a unique circular system combining rice cultivation, forestry, cattle grazing, and buckwheat farming that reuses local resources.
Central to this system is the role of Japanese Black Cattle, which provide both income through high-quality beef and supply manure to enrich paddy soils. Buckwheat, adapted to upland slopes, serves as a key cultural crop alongside rice and vegetables.
Despite challenges such as depopulation, the system remains resilient due to strong cultural ties, landscape stewardship, and locally rooted innovation.
