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Water saving potential in agriculture in Europe

Water saving potential in agriculture in Europe Findings from the existing studies and application to case studies. EEA Water Resource Efficiency Workshop Copenhagen, Denmark, 16-17 June 2011. A study being conducted for DG ENV by Bio Intelligence Service

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Water saving potential in agriculture in Europe

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  1. Water saving potential in agriculture in Europe Findings from the existing studies and application to case studies EEA Water Resource Efficiency Workshop Copenhagen, Denmark, 16-17 June 2011 A study being conducted for DG ENV by Bio Intelligence Service in cooperation with Cranfield University and RPA

  2. Objectives of the project Objectives • Current situation regarding water in agriculture in Europe • water abstraction, consumption and use • water saving drivers/options • Compile case studies of practical implementation of water saving measures in agriculture • to assess what solutions would help address the problem in the EU, where and how Task structure Task 1: Review of water abstraction and consumption by agriculture Task 2: Analysis of drivers in water savings in agriculture Task 5: Identification of most viable solutions to water savings Task 3: Analysis of relevant studies Task 4: Case studies from specific river basins 2

  3. Task 1Goals and methodology Task 1: Review of current water abstraction, use and consumption by agriculture in the EU Approach • Database presenting figures: • by Member State, • by river basin district (RBD) and/or • by region (when RBD are not available) • Desk study based on the following sources of information: • Eurostat and national statistical offices • Circa library • Basin Management Plans 2009-2015 and websites of the River Basins Districts • Grey literature: European, National and Regional projects reports • Peer reviewed papers via scientific search engines (ScienceDirect, IngentaConnect, etc.) • Draft database sent to the RBN experts of water for checks and complements 3

  4. Task 1 Glossary Glossary • Water abstraction (or water withdrawn) for agriculture Volume of freshwater physically removed from its natural site of occurrence (from surface or groundwater resources) either permanently or temporarily for agriculture purpose (irrigation, livestock, etc). • Water use in agriculture difficulties in definition Water use means the total volume of water needed to satisfy the different agricultural purposes, including volumes ‘lost’ during transport, for example leaks from pipes and evaporation, and in-stream uses (such as environmental flows). • Water consumption in agriculture Volume of water abstracted (or withdrawn) which does not return to the water it was abstracted from because it has evaporated or transpired, been incorporated into products and crops, consumed by man or livestock, discharged to another basin or the sea, or returned to the water source in a condition that precludes it from subsequent use. • NB: Data on water consumption is rare and data providers use sometimes similar definitions for the different terms 4

  5. Task 1 – Results Total water abstraction for agriculture in EU27 • Highest values for total water abstraction for agriculture is obtained in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Poland • Lowest values for total water abstraction obtained in Luxembourg, Slovenia, Estonia 5

  6. Task 1 – Results Total water use for agriculture in EU27 • Fewer figures available for water use compared to water abstraction • Highest values for total water abstraction obtained in Italy and Greece • Lowest values for total water use obtained in Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia 6

  7. Irrigation systems Irrigation systems (sprinkler, left; drip irrigation, centre;and flood irrigation, right)

  8. Task 2 - Analysis of drivers in water saving in agriculture Addressing Hydrological Losses Storage, Conveyance, Transpiration, Evaporation, Runoff and Drainage DRIVERS Encouraging the Use of Alternative Waters Water reuse, Water harvesting and On-farm storage Promoting Incentive Actions Allocation, Audit, Pricing, Consumer Pressure, Dissemination and Water Productivity 8

  9. Task 2 - Analysis of drivers in water saving in agriculture Main Means of Actions Techniques Low pressure piping systems Shift to drip irrigation Sub-surface drip irrigation Automation Uniform application Water Reuse ManagementPractices Improved scheduling Crop selection Private to centrally controlled systems Measuring and Monitoring Water harvesting Communication Awareness of farmer behaviour Water footprint Technical workshop and local support 9

  10. Task 2 - Analysis of drivers in water saving in agriculture Main Potential Constraints Field Constraints Suitability of crop Soil constraints Limited volumes Shift of hydrological losses Need of Support / Framework Authorities and public powers Local lobby Learning time for farmers Public Perception Health risks Pricing equity issues Costs 10

  11. Task 3 – Relevant studies Task 3: Analysis of relevant studies Studies are being selected: • covering different drivers/options • covering different MS • covering different types of agriculture To be summarised to provide information on how the drivers can be used, where, and their limits.

  12. Task 4 – Case studies

  13. Thanks for your attention! sandra.berman@biois.com 13

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