New deal will see collaboration on training, research, innovation, hydrological planning, and infrastructure
The Association of Strawberry Producers and Exporters of Huelva (Freshuelva) and the Association of Irrigation Communities of Huelva (Huelva Riega) have signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen cooperation between the two entities regarding one of the most critical challenges for the present and future of the agricultural sector in Huelva: the availability, planning, and efficient management of water resources.
The deal – signed by Freshuelva president José Antonio Martín and his Huelva Riega counterpart Fernando González – establishes a stable, overarching framework for the joint development of projects, studies, programmes, and activities related to water, irrigation, and agriculture within the province.
“This alliance is rooted in a shared view of water as a strategic resource for the economic, social, and environmental development of Huelva,” the organisations said. “It seeks to combine the knowledge, experience, territorial presence, and representative capacity of both organisations to help secure the future of the agricultural sector in the province.”
The areas of work outlined in the agreement include training and professional development; research, innovation, and knowledge transfer; the exchange of information and experience; promoting the value of irrigation in Huelva; ensuring efficiency and sustainability in water use; and the planning and management of water resources.
Under the deal, Freshuelva and Huelva Riega may jointly organise technical workshops, courses, seminars, and professional meetings, as well as promote studies, reports, and research projects related to water resources and the agricultural sector.
This collaboration will focus specifically on issues such as water availability and security, irrigation efficiency, crop water requirements, climate change, hydrological planning, water quality, digitalisation, new technologies, water reuse, desalination, and the circular economy.
The agreement also provides for the development of joint mechanisms for collecting, processing, and analysing data to gain a deeper understanding of the water and agronomic situation in Huelva. The goal is to obtain objective, rigorous, and verified information that will help improve decision-making and enhance knowledge regarding irrigation in the province.
Infrastructure and Hydrological Planning
Another key area of collaboration will be the monitoring of water infrastructure required for the province of Huelva. Both organisations will work on technical documents, reports, proposals, and joint position papers to advocate – before the relevant authorities – for the planning, processing, and execution of projects deemed necessary to ensure water availability and the proper management of water resources.
The agreement will also facilitate the exchange of information and collaboration in analysing various hydrological planning instruments that affect Huelva and the agricultural sector, as well as the coordination of proposals, observations, studies, or technical contributions in areas of shared interest.
Furthermore, Freshuelva and Huelva Riega plan to carry out coordinated actions –engaging with public authorities, river basin agencies, European institutions, universities, technology centres, and business or professional organisations – on matters where they share common objectives and interests.
To implement and monitor the planned activities, the agreement establishes a Joint Monitoring Committee, composed of representatives from Freshuelva and Huelva Riega, which will determine priority areas for collaboration and propose joint projects and initiatives. The agreement will have an initial term of two years, with the possibility of extension upon mutual agreement between the two organisations.
