As part of the EU CAP Network activities, the IRRISMA Operational Group participated in the cross visit titled “Irrigation: Optimising water use practices in annual and perennial crops”, which took place on 7–8 May 2025 and aimed to promote the exchange of best practices and enhance networking on sustainable irrigation management.

The visit took place at the pilot field of the Producer Group “Agrotikes Epicheiriseis Kavalariou A’ IKE”, which hosted members of Operational Groups and project partners from six different European countries. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange on precision technologies and optimal practices implemented through the IRRISMA project.

The event began with a brief presentation by Mr. Anastasios Mitsopoulos from Ergoplanning, Coordinator of the IRRISMA Operational Group, who outlined the project’s main activities and achievements. Then, Ms. Panagiota Koukouli, PhD Candidate and representative of the Laboratory of General and Agricultural Hydraulics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, shared the research team’s contribution, explaining the project’s progress from the beginning, the use of the weather station and various sensors, their integration into the digital platform, and responded to participants’ questions.

Equally important was the contribution of Mr. Georgios Kefalas, representative of the Producer Group, who spoke about the challenges faced by the farm regarding irrigation, the negative impacts observed, the mitigation efforts made, and the benefits gained from participating in the Operational Group. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration among the group’s members, the tangible results of this cooperation, and how these outcomes are expected to support future developments.

The participation of IRRISMA in this cross visit highlighted the group’s innovative approach and strengthened the project’s outreach at a European level, fostering cooperation with similar initiatives from other countries.