EIA Winter Irrigation Forum – Water Pumping Institute, Eurotour 2025
The European Irrigation Association held its virtual winter Irrigation Forum on Friday 14 February 2025.
The European Irrigation Association (EIA) held its virtual Winter Irrigation Forum on Friday, 14th February 2025, with 42 participants of the forum from Europe, Israël, the Unites States and Australia, including 8 new members of the EIA. The event brought together participants from across Europe and beyond to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the irrigation sector. EIA President Moshi Berenstein opened the forum by reflecting on the growth and evolution of the EIA and its publication, Irrigazette. He outlined the association’s goals for 2025, emphasizing the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the face of climate change. He also highlighted changes in membership and welcomed the new members, who are contributing to the diversity and expertise of the EIA.
New Members Introduced:
• Weenat: A French agtech company specializing in connected weather stations and soil sensors, providing real-time data to optimize irrigation and improve water management.
• Bermad Europe: A leading manufacturer of hydraulic control valves and water management solutions, serving the irrigation, water supply, and fire protection sectors.
• Irrimec: An Italian company offering advanced irrigation systems and technologies, focusing on precision agriculture and water efficiency.
• Max Rain: A Spain-based company providing innovative irrigation solutions, including smart irrigation controllers and cloud-based management platforms.
• Nelson Irrigation: Based in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, Nelson Irrigation is a global leader in irrigation products, including sprinklers, valves, and control systems, known for their durability and efficiency.
• Otech: A French company specializing in irrigation automation and remote monitoring systems, helping farmers optimize water use and reduce costs.
• Plastic Puglia: An Italian manufacturer of high-quality plastic products for irrigation, including pipes, fittings, and accessories, designed for durability and sustainability.
The first presentation was about “Water Pumping Institute Euro Tour 2025” by Robert Welke.
Robert Welke, a renowned expert in hydraulic systems and Director of the Water Pumping Institute in Australia, delivered the first presentation. He discussed the principles of sustainable pumping, emphasizing the need to minimize energy input (reducing CO2 emissions) while maximizing work output (return on investment) over a 25-year lifecycle (Life Cycle Costing, LCC). The presentation focused on system hydraulics rather than just pump mechanics, highlighting the importance of designing efficient and sustainable pumping systems. Welke explained that the course aims to equip participants with the knowledge to optimize pumping systems for long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
In closing, Welke announced a collaborative session on pumping efficiency with the EIA in October 2025. Interested participants were encouraged to send their information to the EIA for further details.
The second presentation illustrated the topic of “Climate Change and Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities” by Baravir Johnatan.
Baravir Johnatan, a leading expert from Rivulis Irrigation, a global leader in irrigation solutions and climate-resilient agriculture, delivered the second presentation. He posed a critical question: “Who thinks that global efforts against climate change create a burden on farmers?” Johnatan highlighted that agriculture accounts for approximately 20% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but also has immense potential to capture CO2 through sustainable practices. He discussed the growing commitment of private sector companies to achieve Net Zero emissions and the role of agriculture in this transition.
Despite the potential, Johnatan noted that very few agricultural projects have successfully advanced through the Net Zero process. He attributed this to the inaccessibility of market opportunities for farmers, who often lack the resources and knowledge to implement carbon reduction practices. Rivulis Climate is addressing this challenge by providing farmers with innovative irrigation technologies, data-driven insights, and support to adopt sustainable practices that reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.
The forum concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants raised questions and shared insights on the topics discussed. The event underscored the EIA’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the irrigation sector. The presentations and discussions highlighted the urgent need for efficient water management, sustainable pumping systems, and climate-resilient agricultural practices to address the challenges of climate change.
For those who missed the event, the recording and presentation materials are available on the EIA website. Stay tuned for more updates and future events, including the upcoming session on pumping efficiency in October 2025.
To watch the recording of the forum click on the link.
