EU Vows to Boost Water-Saving Technologies in Agriculture Amid Worsening Droughts

Officials from nine southern European Union nations have pledged to collaborate on developing water-saving technologies in agriculture as intensifying droughts threaten food security and put additional pressure on farmers. Representatives from the MED9 countries—France, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Portugal, Malta, Spain, Cyprus, and Slovenia—gathered in Cyprus on Tuesday to address the growing water scarcity in the Mediterranean region, which they say is more severely affected by climate change than other parts of the EU.

The officials committed to sharing technical expertise, data, and launching joint research programs aimed at making water use in farming as efficient as possible. Spain's Agriculture Minister Luis Planas emphasized the dual need to combat climate change and help farmers adapt to its impacts, stating, "Climate change is a real threat to food production worldwide, and this risk is even more severe in the Mediterranean area."

Cyprus's Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou pointed out that Europe experienced its worst drought in 500 years in 2022, showcasing examples of local "smart" irrigation systems and solar-powered technologies that have cut water use by 30% while protecting crops. Portuguese Agriculture Minister Jose Manuel Fernandes called for increased EU funding to support new technologies and to incentivize young people to join an aging agricultural workforce.

French Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau highlighted advancements in crop development that enable plants to thrive in harsher climates. He also differentiated between genomic research and genetically modified crops, the latter having sparked controversy in the EU. The MED9 group urged the EU to establish a common approach to water conservation, one that respects regional variations in climate and agricultural needs.

Slovenia's Agriculture Minister Mateja Čalušić stressed the importance of incorporating climate adaptation into EU policies, noting that the climate crisis will have significant repercussions on global food security. The meeting underscored the urgent need for technological innovation and cooperation to protect agriculture from the escalating effects of climate change.