Empowering farmers with practical knowledge and innovative solutions for efficient on-farm water management
Across Europe, water scarcity is becoming a critical challenge for agriculture. Farming accounts for roughly 29% of the EU’s total water use, according to the European Environment Agency, but this share rises sharply in southern member states, exceeding 80% in Greece. As pressure on water resources grows, finding ways to produce food with less water and to make better use of what is already available has become increasingly urgent. EU Horizon projects within the BBioNets network are responding by drawing on real-world experience, linking lessons from Operational Groups (OGs) to current needs through the EU CAP Network, and promoting a closed-loop approach that treats water as a resource to be reused and optimised. Suggested strategies include improving water efficiency, developing WaterSmart crops, enhancing the water–soil interface, and enabling water reuse to support more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices across Europe.
About AQUAGRI-KNOW
AQUAGRI-KNOW aims to empower farmers across the EU to tackle water scarcity, improve resource efficiency, and boost agricultural sustainability. With a focus on the agri-food sector—responsible for up to 60% of water use—AQUAGRI-KNOW brings together innovative strategies to create a circular water value chain. By fostering global knowledge exchange and creating a scalable framework, AQUAGRI-KNOW combines local practices with cutting-edge solutions to show how smarter water management can secure the future of farming, protect vital resources, and build resilience to climate challenges across Europe and beyond.
