EIA Working Group Sustainability Agriculture held a Meeting on December 11, 2025

Draft Minutes

Participants : Moshi Berenstein, Netafim – Giusy Inferrera, Irritec – Ido Raanan, Netafim – Javier Juárez, Azud – Bruno Molle, IrrigationEurope – Dorothea Sulzbacher – Lite Soil

Apologies : Giulia Giuffrè, Irritec – Stefania De Pirro, Rivulis – Filiz Dağdelen Günday (Poelsan) – Hakan Yılmaz – Fleur Martin (EIA communication) – Cristina Iuga – Cordulus – Søren Busk (Crysberg) – Marco Bezzi, WiseConn Europe – Sophie Gendre, Arvalis- Ramunas Rederis, consultant – Paolo Antini, Sentek.

Introduction

Giusy Inferrera welcomed the participants and opened the meeting.

• Call to order, competition law
• Approval of agenda
• Approval of minutes of last meeting

1. EU Taxonomy

Bruno Molle his analysis of the Green Checker tool by the European Investment Bank aligned with taxonomy criteria. The tool is already available and applicable to test the green finance eligibility of investments. https://greenchecker.eib-group.org/eib-green

Irrigation is included (for ex. “irrigation system modernization, irrigation pump replacement, adaptation to water stress” are present as investment categories) but the parameters could be refined, in particular to date energy only is considered. The EIB is open to contribution to add considerations on water. We will talk with the EIB to see how we can build this “knowledge-partnership” and probably think about a dedicated EIA taskforce for next year. 

2. Plastic collecting and recycling in agriculture

Ido informed us that from next month he will participate in EIA as an individual. In August 2025 the EU started a consultation process (framework of Circular Economy Act) which we learnt of too late to submit a contribution. However, APE informed us that they submitted their contribution which mainly fosters the continuation of existing local schemes provided that they comply with EU common policy.

Moshi suggests the identification of an EIA dedicated task force (existing sub-group?) for next year on plastic collection and recycling schemes. Ido will contact APE to see how we can collaborate with them. Ido will prepare a work plan for next year and a draft position paper. Then we’ll see if it is worth asking Alienor or other consultants to get in touch with DG environment or other EU people to advocate.

3. Certification labels

The Green Checker could serve as a foundation for a certification or labeling scheme for sustainable irrigation projects

4. Communication

No updates

5. People of influence

No updates

.  Organization and People of influence in https://irritec-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/r/personal/ginferrera_irritec_com/Documents/eia/Organization%20and%20People%20of%20influence%20in%20Europe%20List.xlsx?d=we8d1ba364fb34c0681cdb3ff67e90321&csf=1&web=1&e=fdQkC9

Minutes drafted by Giusy Inferrera