Many cultures around the world equate sunflowers with happiness and harvest. They have been used as a crop for thousands of years, having first been domesticated in parts of Northern America by Native Americans.
With growing concerns over the Climate Crisis and food security, much research has been undertaken on crops to increase their yield, reduce emissions, and protect the viability of fertile land. Research related to sunflowers is having real-world impacts, including the creation of biofuels and eco-products using previously discarded harvest waste, and uses in pharmaceutical development.