On 18 August 2026, the EMPOWERMed project brought researchers and farmers together in Menemen Plain, İzmir, Türkiye, for a Stakeholder (Farmer) Meeting focused on sustainable agricultural water management and practical responses to increasing water scarcity.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge directly with local farmers and to connect the objectives of EMPOWERMed with the realities of agricultural water use in the field.
A key focus was the efficient and conscious use of water in agriculture. Participants discussed approaches that can support more sustainable water management while helping agricultural communities respond to the challenges associated with water scarcity in Mediterranean regions.
The programme also included a visit to the EMPOWERMed demonstration area in Menemen Plain, where participants could observe project activities and innovative agricultural practices directly in the field. The visit demonstrated how research, practical knowledge and cooperation with farmers can come together to support more resilient agricultural systems.
The meeting addressed three main areas:
- Sustainable agricultural water management – promoting efficient and responsible use of water in agriculture;
- Demonstration activities – presenting innovative agricultural practices at the EMPOWERMed demonstration site;
- Proactive approaches to water scarcity – discussing methods for addressing water-related challenges under Mediterranean climatic conditions.
By working directly with farmers and bringing project knowledge into the field, EMPOWERMed continues to strengthen the link between research, practical application and stakeholder participation.
Protecting the productivity of our soils and securing the future of our water resources requires cooperation across the entire agricultural community — and meetings such as this are an important part of that process.
