Market survey: Water management in the Iberian Peninsula

"Iniciativa Tierra Sostenible/Iniciativa Terra Sustenável" (ITS)

The "Iniciativa Tierra Sostenible/Iniciativa Terra Sustenável" addresses concerns from the private sector regarding the long-term sustainability of fresh produce production in the EU, particularly considering the Iberian Peninsula's role in winter fresh produce supply and challenges posed by climate-induced water scarcity. The project examines the involvement of The Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal in European horticulture and assesses the potential impact of water scarcity on fresh produce production and supply in Iberian production areas. The Netherlands and Iberian horticulture are mutual stakeholders as trade and logistical partner, supplier of seed and propagation material, supplier of technology and hardware.

The Iberian Penninsula is a vital pillar contributing to year-round fresh produce production in the EU Considering this vital role this research highlights the challenges facing the Iberian Peninsula due to water scarcity, discusses the complexity of the horticultural industry, underscores the Netherlands' role in European horticulture, and presents the "Iniciativa Tierra Sostenible/Iniciativa Terra Sustenável" (ITS!) as a response to water-related concerns, emphasizing its multinational coalition.

The project has a modular structure for an integrated approach.

Expert Interviews

Key expert interviews form the research methodology, involving individuals in production, processing, seed supply, horticultural technology, relevant NGOs, and authorities.

The project identifies risks related to long-term water resource availability, proposes alternative areas with reliable water resources, and underscores the importance of cross-sector coalition building to enable sector transition.

Sector-Specific Business Information for Portugal

Study horticultural sector in Portugal with an overview of the main national and regional agriculture-related indicators and main soil, water and land use issues. Analysis of a wide range of specific crops, main agricultural value chains, constraints to be faced by a foreign investor and the existing financing opportunities.

Coalition-Building Module

The project identifies risks related to long-term water resource availability, summarises relevant EU regulations, proposes alternative production areas with reliable water resources, and underscores the importance of cross-sector coalition building to enable sector transition.

For more information, please contact the author:

Peter M Kerkhoven
Email: peter.m.kerkhoven@gmail.com
Tel: +31653311611