World Solar Day

The day dedicated to the importance of the sun was established in 1978 by Jimmy Carter, then President of the United States of America.

Why is the Sun so important?

The Sun is essential for life on Earth; without it, no form of life could exist. The Sun provides us with light, heat, and energy. Every day, it influences nature, climate, health, and even our daily lives. The Sun is one of the most important allies when we speak of sustainability. Using solar energy wisely means protecting the environment, saving resources, and building a cleaner future for everyone.

Italy is often referred to as the "land of the Sun", an expression that not only refers to the Mediterranean climate that characterizes much of the territory but also to the human warmth, cultural wealth, gastronomic richness, and the artistic light that make it unique in the world. The sun, therefore, is an element that distinguishes us for passion and taste. A precious heritage to safeguard, enhance and share with the world. Just as the rays of the sun illuminate an identity, these same rays ensure tasty and flavorful products. Just think of the tomato (here you will find our selection of tomato puree from Italy, of course), one of the most loved and cultivated vegetables in Italy and many other countries around the world.

How much benefit does the sun bring to a simple tomato?

Without sunlight, tomatoes do not grow well, do not ripen, and do not develop their typical red color and sweet and intense flavor; they need a lot of sunlight to grow strong and healthy. Thanks to photosynthesis, the leaves transform light into energy, which is needed to develop roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits. The Sun helps the tomato to ripen correctly. Sunlight stimulates the production of lycopene, the natural pigment that gives the tomato its typical red color. Tomatoes exposed to the Sun become sweeter and tastier, while those that grow with little light often remain pale and bland. The heat and light of the Sun help to keep the soil dry, reducing the risk of molds, fungi, and diseases. Good sun exposure makes plants more resilient and strong. Tomatoes grow very well in sunny and warm areas, such as Southern Italy: Puglia, Sicily, Campania. The Sun not only helps tomatoes grow but also enhances their flavor, making them perfect for sauces, salads, dressings, and preserves. When we eat a good tomato sauce, we are also savoring a bit of Italian Sun!

Three points that summarize the importance of the sun

1. Source of biological life

All life on Earth depends on sunlight. Plants, through photosynthesis, convert light into energy and produce oxygen, an essential element for the respiration of humans and animals. Without the Sun, the food chain would collapse, and the Earth would become a cold and inhospitable planet. Obviously, this process is the almost taken-for-granted basis upon which the production and transformation activities of all our producers rely: a quality tomato will have fewer problems in processing, grapes with fewer molds will be a better base for our wine, and - even beforehand - feed with fewer issues will result in fewer problems in livestock.

2. Regulator of climate and natural cycles

The Sun warms the Earth's surface and makes life possible. It regulates the seasons, water cycles, and even the biological rhythms of living beings. Its influence is evident in the climate change between day and night, between summer and winter, and in the alternation of rain and drought.

3. Sustainable energy resource

Solar energy is one of the best alternatives to fossil fuels. It is inexhaustible, produces no harmful emissions, and can be used in a decentralized manner, even in the poorest or most isolated areas of the world. Using the sun to produce energy means reducing pollution, combating climate change, and safeguarding the planet's future.

Given our sustainability footprint, we can only celebrate this day: happy sun to everyone!

S&M