The European Irrigation Association (EIA) held its virtual Winter Irrigation Forum on Friday 14th February with 42 participants from Europe, Israel, the United States and Australia. The event brought together participants from across Europe and beyond to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the irrigation sector.
EIA President Moshi Berenstein opened the forum by reflecting on the growth and development of the EIA and its publication, Irrigazette. He outlined the Association's goals for 2025, emphasising the importance of innovation, sustainability and collaboration in the face of climate change. He also highlighted the changes in membership and welcomed the new members who contribute to the diversity and expertise of the EIA.
New members introduced:
- Weenat: A French agtech company specialising in connected weather stations and soil sensors, providing real-time data to optimise irrigation and improve water management.
- Bermad Europe: A leading manufacturer of hydraulic control valves and water management solutions for the irrigation, water supply and fire protection sectors.
- Irrimec: An Italian company offering advanced irrigation systems and technologies, with a focus on precision agriculture and water efficiency.
- Max Rain: A Spain-based company that provides innovative irrigation solutions, including smart irrigation controllers and cloud-based management platforms.
- Nelson Irrigation: Based in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, Nelson Irrigation is a global leader in irrigation products, including sprinklers, valves and control systems, known for their durability and efficiency.
- Otech: A French company specialising in irrigation automation and remote monitoring systems that help farmers optimise water use and reduce costs.
- Plastic Puglia: An Italian manufacturer of high quality plastic irrigation products, including pipes, fittings and accessories, designed for durability and resistance.
The first presentation was on the "Water Pumping Institute Euro Tour 2025" by Robert Welke.
Robert Welke, a renowned expert in hydraulic systems and Director of the Water Pumping Institute in Australia, gave the first presentation. He discussed the principles of sustainable pumping, emphasising the need to minimise energy input (reducing CO2 emissions) while maximising work output (return on investment) over a 25-year life cycle (Life Cycle Costing, LCC). The presentation focused on system hydraulics rather than just pump mechanics, emphasising the importance of designing efficient and sustainable pumping systems. Welke explained that the course aims to equip participants with the knowledge to optimise pumping systems for long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Finally, Welke announced a joint session on pump efficiency with the EIA in October 2025. Interested participants were encouraged to send their details to the EIA for further details.
The second presentation was on "Climate Change and Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities" by Jonathan Baravir.
Jonathan Baravir, a leading expert from Rivulis Irrigation, a global leader in irrigation solutions and climate resilient agriculture, delivered the second presentation. He asked a critical question: "Who thinks that global efforts to address climate change are a burden on farmers?" Jonathan highlighted that agriculture accounts for around 20% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but also has immense potential to sequester CO2 through sustainable practices. He discussed the growing commitment of private sector companies to achieve net zero emissions and the role of agriculture in this transition.
Despite the potential, Johnatan noted that very few agricultural projects have successfully gone through the Net Zero process. He attributed this to the inaccessibility of market opportunities for farmers, who often lack the resources and knowledge to implement them. Rivulis Climate is addressing this challenge by providing farmers with innovative irrigation technologies, data-driven insights and support to adopt sustainable practices that reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration.
The forum concluded with an engaging Q&A session where participants asked questions and shared insights on the topics discussed. The event underscored EIA's commitment to promoting innovation, sustainability and collaboration in the irrigation sector. The presentations and discussions highlighted the urgent need for efficient water management, sustainable pumping systems and climate-resilient agricultural practices to meet the challenges of climate change.
For those who missed the event, the recording and presentation materials are available on the EIA website. Stay tuned for more updates and future events, including the next session on pumping efficiency in October 2025.
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