National Made in Italy Day

National Made in Italy Day: between health, policy choice and cultural identityINTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR MICHELE CARRUBA

15 April 2025
Posted by: Competere
Categories: Balanced Lifestyle, highlights, News

On April 15th, we celebrate National Made in Italy National Day – an opportunity to recognize the value of what we produce, export, and share with the world. Among the key players is the agri-food sector, which has become increasingly central to the national economy. Today, this sector generates nearly €335 billion in added value, accounting for 19% of Italy’s GDP, with a turnover that has reached €586.9 billion: +8.4% compared to 2021 and +29% since 2015. In a context marked by health crises and international tensions, it is the quality of Made in Italy agri-food products that has driven growth.

In this context, we interviewed Prof. Michele Carruba, President of our Scientific Committee, to explore the deep connection between the Mediterranean Diet, public health, and the role of political choices – including those related to tariffs and global market regulations.

Today longevity is often seen as a key indicator of development. How does lifestyle – especially diet – influence our life expectancy?

Longevity is one of the main indicators of social development, even more than economic growth. Countries with the highest life expectancies are those that have chosen to invest in quality of life, prevention, and public health. Many factors influence this parameter: environmental, cultural, genetic, and socioeconomic conditions. An increasingly crucial role is played by the ability to invest in research and innovation. It is through science that concrete solutions are developed to improve health, nutrition, and overall quality of life. Italy can – and must – do more in this regard: currently, we invest only 1.43% of our GDP in research and development, compared to 1.98% in China and 2.88% in the US. Bridging this gap would strengthen the foundations of our future health and unlock the country’s scientific and productive potential.

But above all, it is lifestyle that makes the difference: it alone accounts for around 50% of life expectancy, making it the most powerful modifiable factor we have. Nutrition and physical activity can activate our genes, as shown by epigenetics. This means that even those with genetic predispositions can improve their life expectancy through conscious daily choices.

How can politics help protect our public health?

Politics can influence – and shape – all the factors that affect longevity: environment, culture, access to science, mobility, and even lifestyles. Investing, for example, in green spaces, bike lanes, or public campaigns on nutrition can make the difference to public health. But beware: we need smart policy. By that, I mean policies that promote our food culture, not penalize it with outdated and ineffective tools like Nutriscore, taxes on nutrients, or tariffs.

Italy has a unique heritage: the Mediterranean Diet. It not only reduces the risk of chronic and degenerative diseases but also increases life expectancy. Seen not merely as a dietary pattern but as a balanced lifestyle philosophy, it integrates food choices, physical activity, and mental well-being, guiding citizens toward more conscious behaviour. Yes today, despite growing global interest, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is declining. It is estimated that fewer than 15% of the population fully follows its principles. The causes are many – environmental, political, cultural, and social – and they are gradually undermining one of the key elements that once made Italy a global benchmark for longevity. Yes, our country still ranks high, but it’s no longer at the top.

Italy is also a leading example when it comes to food safety. How important is this for public health?

Italy is not only known for the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, but also boasts a long-standing tradition of food safety, with strict regulations that have protected us from major health crises. Food is healthy not only for its nutritional properties, but also when it is safe throughout the processes that transform raw materials into finished products. This culture of safety, now a key part of the European regulatory framework, is a fundamental asset of Made in Italy. It is tangible proof of how policy can promote prevention, not just economic growth.

What about tariffs? Can they impact health as well as the economy?

Absolutely. Tariffs imposed on iconic Mediterranean Diet products – such as olive oil, pasta, or aged cheeses – are not just a threat to the Italian economy; they are also a setback for global health. Take the United States as an example: on the one hand, they heavily invest in research and development, yet on the other, they tax the very products that could help them prevent major chronic diseases. It’s a paradox.

Those who impose tariffs on such products are not only targeting an economic sector – they are depriving citizens of a health opportunity. Made in Italy is more than a label: it’s a cultural, scientific, and nutritional heritage that deserves to be protected – especially for what it represents in terms of public health.

Download the full articles from the three experts to fully celebrate National Made in Italy Day >>>