Water and soil

Across Europe, climate change is exacerbating both water scarcity and the risk of flooding in agricultural areas. In many regions prolonged droughts, irregular rainfall and rising temperatures are intensifying competition for water resources, while diffuse pollution from agricultural activities continues to degrade water quality. It is therefore essential to adopt sound water management practices and ensure healthy soils that can improve water retention, reduce runoff and enhance the overall resilience of the farming system. At the same time, European policies and strategies call for more efficient, resilient and circular use of natural resources.

In this context, rethinking water and soil management has become a necessity. Farmers are already applying many innovative approaches that integrate circular water management, climate-resilient cropping systems, digital technologies and precision irrigation to optimise water use. Nature-based solutions and improved soil practices are also being developed to further enhance water retention and ecosystem services, as well as efforts to reduce pollution to safeguard both surface and groundwater.