Berne Forum promotes sustainable use of water in agriculture
A new forum aims to promote the sustainable use of water in agriculture. This was announced on Wednesday by the agricultural advisory center Agridea and the Bern University of Applied Sciences for Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences (BFH-HAFL).
26.06.2024, 11:59
SDA
With the forum they founded the day before, they want to create a sound knowledge base and promote exchange between agriculture, research, advisory bodies, industry associations, the public sector and private companies.
Climate change is altering the seasonal distribution of water in Switzerland, the two institutions pointed out. This was evident in the last rainy May or in the hot summer of 2022.
The future scenarios forecast more rain in winter and less in summer. The challenges for farmers to have water available in the right place at the right time are correspondingly great.
"Vegetables and berries rot when the soil is wet, while potatoes dry out in prolonged heat," said Andreas Keiser, lecturer in arable farming and plant breeding at BFH-HAFL, according to the press release. A well-planned approach to water resources is key for the future.
At the heart of the forum is a knowledge platform operated by Agridea. Working groups will develop future-oriented solutions, for example in the areas of irrigation technology and water storage. Every year, the forum will hold a full-day national conference on a water topic at BFH-HAFL.
