In the agricultural heartlands of north-eastern Italy, WIrri represents a groundbreaking collaboration between academia, the farming community, and a wide spectrum of stakeholders. Spearheaded by researchers from the Universities of Padova and Udine, this initiative seeks to elevate water use efficiency in agriculture through climate-smart solutions. WIrri’s approach is deeply collaborative, facilitating a dialogue between researchers and practitioners to co-develop and share innovative practices and technologies. By implementing on-farm demonstrations and On-Farm Experimentation (OFE), WIrri bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application, enhancing technology readiness across diverse agricultural settings. Its network spans the regions of Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Emilia Romagna, engaging land reclamation authorities, regional bodies, and companies in the irrigation and agrochemical sectors. WIrri’s commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement underscores its role as a pivotal force in advancing sustainable agriculture practices, with implications that resonate at the EU level and beyond, fostering a collective push towards water-wise farming futures.
