Officials from nine southern European Union countries gathered in Cyprus to address the growing water scarcity in the Mediterranean region, due to climate change. The MED9 countries, including France, Greece, Italy, and Spain, pledged to work together to develop water-saving technologies in agriculture. They aim to share data, launch joint research programs, and make water use in farming as efficient as possible to combat the threat of droughts on food security.
Spain’s Agriculture Minister emphasized the need to adapt farming practices to the changing climate situation, stating that climate change poses a significant risk to food production around the world. Cyprus Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou highlighted the severe impact of the worst drought Europe faced last year, advocating for the use of “smart” irrigation systems and solar power technologies to protect crops and conserve water by up to 30%.
Portuguese Agriculture Minister Jose Manuel Fernandes called for increased EU funding to support the development and implementation of water-saving technologies in agriculture. He also stressed the importance of creating incentives to attract younger farmers and revitalize the aging farming population. French Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau discussed innovative techniques for creating new crops that can thrive in harsher climate conditions, while Fernandes emphasized the difference between genomic research and controversial genetically modified crops.
The officials from the MED9 countries urged the EU to adopt a common approach to water conservation that considers regional needs. They emphasized the importance of placing climate change adaptation at the core of collective policies to address the impact of the climate crisis on global food security. Slovenia’s Agriculture Minister Mateja Čalušić stated that climate change adaptation must be a key focus in developing common policies to combat water scarcity and ensure sustainable agricultural practices in the face of a changing climate.
The gathering in Cyprus highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts among EU countries to address water scarcity in agriculture and mitigate the impact of climate change on food production. The MED9 countries committed to working together to develop and implement innovative water-saving technologies, share expertise, and conduct joint research programs. As the threat of droughts and water scarcity looms over the Mediterranean region, officials stressed the importance of adapting farming practices and implementing sustainable solutions to ensure food security for present and future generations.
Moving forward, the MED9 countries will continue to advocate for increased EU funding, support the development of new crops that can thrive in changing climate conditions, and promote the use of advanced technologies to conserve water in agriculture. By working together and prioritizing climate change adaptation in their policies, these countries aim to build resilience in the agricultural sector, safeguard food production, and mitigate the impact of water scarcity on farmers and communities in the Mediterranean region and beyond.
