Officials from nine southern European Union countries said today they will work together to develop technologies that save water in agriculture, as droughts put additional burdens on farmers and threaten food security.
The promises came during a meeting in Cyprus of the so-called MED9 countries, which consist of France, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Portugal, Malta, Spain and Slovenia.
Officials said they would address growing water shortages as a result of climate change, particularly in the Mediterranean region, which is affected more than other parts of the European Union.
Officials also pledged to share technical and practical data and launch joint research programs to make water use more efficient.
“Climate change is a real threat to food production worldwide, and this risk is even more serious in the Mediterranean area. We have to fight against climate change and, at the same time, adapt the working conditions of our farmers to this new climate situation,” said Spanish Minister of Agriculture Luis Planas at the meeting.
Cyprus’ Agriculture Minister Maria Panagioti warned that Europe faced one of its worst droughts last year and cited local examples of “smart” irrigation systems and technologies that help protect crops, generate energy and save water use by 30%.
French Minister of Agriculture Marc Fesno praised the latest techniques that help create new crops, capable of thriving in harsher climates.
Officials also called on the EU to come up with a common approach to water conservation taking into account regional requirements.
“Since the climate crisis will have a major impact on global food security, adapting to climate change must be at the center of our joint policy,” said Slovenian Minister of Agriculture Mateja Čalušić.
E2 portal (Beta)
Source: www.e2.rs
