Cross-visit 'Irrigation – Optimising water use practices in annual (and perennial) crops'
This report presents the outcomes of the cross-visit between EIP-AGRI Operational Group projects (OGs) working in the field of irrigation and optimising water use practices in annual (and perennial) crops.
- Programming period: 2023-2027
The cross-visit ‘Irrigation – Optimising water use practices in annual (and perennial) crops’ took place on 7 – 8 May 2025 in Thessaloniki, Greece.
The competitiveness and resilience of the farming sector depend heavily on the availability and quality of natural resources. Plant water status is a key determinant for biomass production, making the optimisation of soil water availability a primary goal for farmers. In this context, irrigation is a key element in many agricultural systems.
Innovations to find solutions for water challenges, such as the imminent shortage of (irrigation) water, decreasing water quality, or salinisation, are being captured in EIP-AGRI Operational Groups projects (OGs). These projects are testing innovations such as precision irrigation systems, the use of sensors, water storage solutions, and monitoring and collaboration strategies.
The cross-visit welcomed 19 participants from 12 OG projects from 8 Member States (MS), including farmers, researchers, advisors, innovation support services/innovation brokers, and a web specialist. The cross-visit had two hosting OGs: ‘IRRISMA - Smart system of reduced inputs in agriculture and irrigation water management’ and ‘SISRICE - Automated services for the management of rice irrigation using in-field sensors’.
