Sustainability and climate

Sustainability and climate

To the climate, nature, or the Earth, we matter little; it cares only about its own existence. All evolutions are aimed at creating a balance that is currently decidedly disharmonious. The primary cause is humans, who, with their existence, constantly alter the planet’s stability, at least since the intentional management of fire.

Undoubtedly, as sentient beings, we should facilitate the planet’s balance. Not only for the planet itself, but selfishly for the survival of our species. Apparently, as of today, this is challenging and sometimes seems impossible. On the flip side, each of us, with actions large or small, can contribute to improving the planet’s sustainability. Every individual, and even more so, large companies, can, through their choices, contribute to a renewed improvement, and as we know, unity is strength.

Sustainability is an integral part of Gaya’s philosophy. The key words that we constantly repeat are earth, heart, art, where love and passion stem from the protection and care for others and nature. We like to think that we are making a contribution, albeit small, to the balance of the planet.

We take small steps that range from sourcing local products for each Gaya location to being mindful of those that come from afar and that we cannot do without. We pay attention not only to production but also to distances and the journey they must undertake.

Each location has its own story. Cocoa and coffee thrive in Indonesia, while in Europe, we have to bring them from afar because they are integral to our daily lives, especially in the realm of gelato, and are indispensable ingredients. On the other hand, pistachios and almonds are not at home in tropical areas but are part of the Italian identity in artisanal gelato.

The specific climate is a determining factor. It’s obvious that if I try to cultivate dates in the Dolomites today, the results will be poor or non-existent. Naturally, native varieties yield the best results due to natural selection. However, this is true only up to a certain point. The climate is changing rapidly, and some crops are beginning to be unsuitable for cultivation in their places of origin. Consider exotic fruits like avocados, which can now thrive in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and southern Italy. It’s an inevitable adaptation. Looking around helps us understand the best path to pursue, without fearing changes that should be welcomed as a necessary evolution.

Extensive farming and intensive farming, let’s clarify

Extensive farming and intensive farming, let’s clarify

Extensive farming, as the definition suggests, refers to large estates where the minimum possible number of resources—human, technical, and chemical—are used because the economic return is achieved through the sheer size of the cultivated land. This is on a global level. Here, there is a bit of potential confusion, as commonly, when we hear the term “extensive agriculture,” most of us think of cultivation that meticulously preserves and cares for the land, associated with small, passionate producers who protect their territory and products.

Intensive farming is the exact opposite of both versions, involving the maximum possible exploitation of the land and its potential achieved at any cost through the use of chemicals and fertilizers in the highest possible doses, sometimes unfortunately exceeding them. The result is barren land and standardized products.

The best fruits and products result from the conjunction of many productive factors. The specific quality of the land in which they grow, the microclimate, pollution, and chemical agents, the varieties that can be local or far from their place of origin—all these factors contribute to the formation and development of raw materials.

Healthy and fertile land exists when proper resting periods are respected, crop rotations are implemented, ensuring the land receives a balanced supply of nutrients. As we know, some plants are avid for certain minerals and release others; variation means maintaining balance, which translates into aromas and flavors for the cultivated fruits.

For the gelato and products we offer, we always seek high-quality productions that consider biodiversity and the specificity of territories, crops, and local cultures. We look for products locally, and for those from afar that we cannot do without, we pay attention not only to production but also to distances and the journey they must undertake.