On 4 October 2025 the Apple Festival, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the celebration of World Food Day 2025, took place in Zhetysu Park, Astana. The event was co-organized by FAO Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kazakhstan.
Beeld: © Danil Akramov
Apple festival in Astana
The festival brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps, students, farmers, and experts from the agricultural sector, becoming a vibrant platform for exchange and cooperation. Participants celebrated Kazakhstan’s agricultural heritage, discussed the role of youth and innovation in agrifood systems, and promoted the importance of food security and sustainability.
“The Apple Festival is not only a celebration of the harvest but also a reminder of our deep agricultural traditions and the importance of food security. We are pleased to see the growing interest of young people in agriculture, innovation, and international collaboration — this gives confidence in the sustainable future of the sector,” said Yerbol Taszhurekov, Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, in his opening remarks.
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation by the Kazakh Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute titled “Aport: The Heart of Every Apple,” dedicated to Kazakhstan’s iconic apple variety. Guests learned about the history and genetic heritage of the Aport apple and took part in an interactive quiz and tasting session.
Beeld: © Danil Akramov
Apple festival in Astana
Celebrating Youth, Innovation, and Local Heritage
Youth engagement was another key focus. The session “Youth, Agri-bloggers, and Innovation” presented international opportunities for young professionals, including FAO’s internship, volunteer, and fellowship programmes, as well as initiatives from partners such as the World Food Forum National Youth Chapter and the Youth Food Lab.
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed the Apple Producers Fair “Aport”, where farmers from the Almaty, Zhambyl, and Turkestan regions showcased local varieties, organic produce, and artisanal goods. The festival also featured the “Apple Chance” lottery, with prizes for lucky participants.
The festive atmosphere was complemented by live music, dance flash mobs, photo zones, culinary workshops, art contests, and games for children and adults — making the day an inclusive and memorable celebration for all generations.
“Today’s festival once again highlighted the importance of international cooperation, support for local production, and youth involvement in the agricultural sector. Kazakhstan’s rich agricultural heritage must be preserved and developed in the face of global challenges,” added the Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan.
Door de zure appel heen bijten
“For the Netherlands — a country with strong traditions in agriculture and innovation — it is an honour to support the Apple Festival in Astana. Kazakhstan is the homeland of apples, and this unique heritage should be preserved and passed on to future generations,” said Nico Schermers, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kazakhstan. "We have a saying in Dutch: If you have to do a difficult work, you have to bite a sour apple" - shared Nico Schermers.
Beeld: © AST-LVVN
Dutch Embassy team (from left to the right): Dirk Bouma (intern), Yuliya Nabatova (Agricultural officer), Nico Schemers (Ambassador), Arie Veldhuizen (Agricultural Counsellor)
Agricultural Counsellor, Arie Veldhuizen together with Dirk Bouma, agricultural intern made a presentation where they emphasized the role of youth as future leaders with fresh innovative ideas and their importance in relation to the development of sustainable food systems.
Together with FAO and Kazakhstan, the Netherlands is working to make food systmes more secure and sustainable. Through the strong collaboration and the power of youth involvement, we strive for zero hunger and the reduction of food waste!
“It is symbolic that this festival takes place in Kazakhstan — in the foothills of the Ile Alatau mountains, the birthplace of apples. This event unites us around our shared values of sustainability, community, and respect for nature,” said Zhanyl Bozayeva, FAO Programme Officer in Kazakhstan. “Together with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Embassy of the Netherlands, we celebrate FAO’s 80th anniversary and World Food Day, reaffirming our commitment to a sustainable and food-secure future.”
Beeld: © AST-LVVN
The Apple Festival concluded with a strong message of unity, partnership, and innovation — reflecting FAO’s mission to transform agrifood systems and ensure better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.
Source: FAO.org