EIA Working Group Sustainability Agriculture held a Meeting on March 16, 2026
On 16 March 2025, the EIA Working Group on Sustainable Agriculture convened a broad range of industry experts to advance its work on sustainability in irrigation. The discussion focused on shaping the sector’s contribution to European green investment frameworks, strengthening circular practices, and increasing visibility through targeted communication and outreach.
The meeting brought together Moshi Berenstein; Giusy Inferrera (Irritec); Ido Raanan; Borja González Herrarte (Azud); Bruno Molle (Irrigation Europe); Filiz Dağdelen Günday; Hakan Yılmaz (Poelsan); Sophie Gendre (Arvalis); Ramunas Rederis (Consultant); Søren Busk (Crysberg); Cristina Iuga (Cordulus); and Dorothea Sulzbacher (Lite Soil).
Opening the session, Giusy Inferrera confirmed the agenda and previous minutes, while also recalling the importance of compliance with competition law.
Shaping the Future of Green Investment: The EIB Green Checker
A key highlight of the meeting was the ongoing engagement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on its Green Checker tool, which supports the assessment and development of sustainable investments.
Following a recent exchange with the EIB, Bruno Molle and Giusy Inferrera outlined how EIA can contribute to improving the tool—particularly by supporting the development of a future module dedicated to irrigation.
An analysis of approximately 50 existing criteria relevant to irrigation showed that, while climate objectives are well represented, other key aspects deserve greater attention. The Working Group identified several priorities for improvement, including:
- stronger integration of water resource management
- better consideration of biodiversity impacts
- increased focus on agricultural productivity and yield
- improved treatment of plastic recycling in agricultural systems
The discussion also highlighted the need to better understand how irrigation fits within larger EIB-funded projects. As irrigation is often part of broader infrastructure or sustainability programmes, positioning the sector strategically within these frameworks will be essential to access funding opportunities and increase its visibility.
Urban landscapes were identified as a notable gap in the current framework. While elements such as green roofs and urban greening are considered, they are mainly assessed from an energy perspective. The Working Group underlined the importance of incorporating water management and biodiversity more effectively in this area.
Looking ahead, members agreed to develop a clear roadmap combining technical expertise and policy engagement. This work will feed into the Round Table considered for June in Brussels, where both technical and strategic discussions will take place.
Ensuring Alignment with EU Policy
Participants also stressed the importance of maintaining close alignment with the evolving EU Taxonomy. Ensuring coherence between regulatory frameworks and tools such as the Green Checker will be key to strengthening the sector’s credibility and impact in the sustainability transition.
Promoting Circularity in Irrigation
Circular economy practices—particularly in relation to plastics—were another important focus of the meeting. Ido Raanan presented a draft webpage aimed at promoting responsible plastic use in irrigation, including practical guidance on collection and recycling.
The initiative was welcomed as a concrete step forward. The Working Group suggested expanding it by integrating existing national schemes and partnerships, thereby reinforcing its effectiveness and reach across Europe.
Raising Visibility and Strengthening Engagement
Communication and outreach were identified as essential levers to support the Working Group’s objectives. A dedicated update will be shared with all EIA members to highlight ongoing activities, with a particular focus on the Green Checker initiative and the contributions of participating members.
Participants also discussed increasing EIA’s presence at key industry events. In particular, urban landscaping exhibitions such as Galabau were highlighted as valuable platforms for engagement. Even without a formal booth, targeted participation could help strengthen connections and visibility within this growing segment.
To further support outreach, the development of engaging content – such as short videos – was proposed, especially in preparation for the summer Round Table.
Looking Ahead
The meeting reaffirmed the Working Group’s commitment to positioning irrigation as a key contributor to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and efficient resource management.
Additional topics, including certification labels and stakeholder engagement (“people of influence”), were also discussed, although no specific updates were reported at this stage.
In the coming months, the group will focus on consolidating its technical input to the Green Checker, advancing circular initiatives, strengthening communication efforts, and preparing for key discussions at the European level.
Minutes drafted by Giusy Inferrera