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The Italian Demonstration Site is located in the Plain of Catania, Eastern Sicily (14.8830 E, 37.4404 N; WGS84). The Salso–Simeto irrigation system covers approximately 56,127 ha, including about 50,000 ha of irrigable land and around 24,000 ha currently irrigated. The irrigation system is managed by the Sicilia Orientale Reclamation Consortium, which distributes water mainly through a rotational allocation system.
The area is characterised by a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa, Köppen–Geiger), with high irrigation requirements from May to October. The hydrographic network is dominated by the Simeto River and its main tributaries, including the Salso, Dittaino, Gornalunga and Troina rivers.
Agriculture is strongly dominated by citrus production. The area is particularly important for PGI Sicilian blood oranges, involving more than 500 farms and an annual production of approximately 30,000 tonnes. Sustainable management of water and other natural resources is therefore essential for maintaining the productivity, economic viability and competitiveness of the local citrus value chain.
Socio-economic issues
Citrus production represents an important economic activity in Eastern Sicily and supports a large network of farms, workers, processors and other value-chain actors. However, many agricultural enterprises are characterised by relatively small farm sizes, limited investment capacity and increasing production costs.
The profitability of citrus farms is increasingly affected by water scarcity, high irrigation and energy costs, climate variability and market pressures. Limited water availability during the irrigation season may force farmers to rely on alternative sources, including private groundwater, increasing production costs and economic vulnerability.
The Action Panel also highlighted the need to modernise irrigation infrastructure, improve water storage and supply reliability, increase access to precision-agriculture technologies and strengthen collaboration between farmers, researchers, technicians, water managers and public institutions. Better governance, clearer policies and stronger technical support are considered essential for facilitating the adoption of innovative solutions.
