BIOAZUL Sustainable Agriculture Solutions at the Congress of European Farmers

BIOAZUL is proud to announce that our colleague, Rafael Casielles, participated as a distinguished panelist at the 2024 Congress of European Farmers, organized by Copa-Cogeca and held in Bucharest from October 23-25. This significant gathering brought together leading figures in European agriculture to address critical issues such as climate change, water scarcity, and the evolving needs of rural communities. Casielles contributed to these discussions, sharing BIOAZUL’s insights and innovations in sustainable water management.

Advancing Resilience through Water Management

During the workshop “Water: Cultivating Resilience in Agricultural Water Management,” Rafael Casielles presented BIOAZUL’s pioneering approaches to water reuse and sustainable farming practices. He discussed the combined challenges posed by climate change and population growth, which are increasing crop water demands and altering water availability patterns across Europe. Casielles emphasized the essential role of reclaimed water in agriculture, sharing how BIOAZUL’s efforts are transforming water reuse into a viable and sustainable solution for farmers. However, he also highlighted the barriers to scaling up these solutions, including infrastructure costs, nutrient management, and the need for greater awareness and practical knowledge among farmers.

BIOAZUL’s Innovative Projects for Sustainable Agriculture

Casielles introduced several of BIOAZUL’s projects that are addressing these barriers directly:

• BONEX Project: A focus on nutrient management, BONEX provides a balance tool that helps farmers accurately calculate fertilization needs when using reclaimed water, optimizing crop growth while conserving resources.
• RICHWATER Project and ETV Certification: This project showcases BIOAZUL’s development of E. coli sensors for real-time risk management. These sensors reduce farmer concerns over crop safety, promoting confidence in reclaimed water use.
• BOOST-IN Project: This initiative is creating a comprehensive database of innovations in water reuse and sustainable agricultural practices. The BOOST-IN resource is designed to close knowledge gaps, making essential information accessible to both farmers and policymakers. It also offers tailored recommendations for enhancing water reuse adoption, targeting six key European regions to support both local and continent-wide solutions.

Overcoming Political and Social Barriers

In a broader discussion on water reuse, Casielles emphasized the need for political support and public understanding. He noted the unique challenges faced by export-oriented agricultural regions, which often struggle with funding and public recognition of their contributions to food security. Addressing the social reluctance to embrace reclaimed water, known as the “yuck factor,” Casielles explained how cultural beliefs and limited familiarity with EU water reuse regulations can impede acceptance. He highlighted the importance of public education to shift perceptions and promote reclaimed water as a safe, reliable resource.

A Forward-Looking Vision for European Agriculture

The Congress of European Farmers underscored the need for innovative solutions to secure a resilient agricultural future. Through Rafael Casielles’ participation, BIOAZUL shared its commitment to sustainable water management and the vital role of research and development. His contributions offered a forward-thinking perspective, aligning with the Congress’s vision of a resilient, adaptable, and sustainable agricultural sector for Europe.

BIOAZUL is honored to be at the forefront of these crucial discussions, and we look forward to continuing our efforts in shaping sustainable, resource-efficient practices for European farmers.