From 23 to 25 June 2026, the FruitCREWS community gathered in Brussels for its Final Event, marking the culmination of four years of collaboration within the COST Action Fruit tree Crop REsponses to Water deficit and decision support Systems applications (FruitCREWS). The three-day event brought together researchers, policymakers, growers and stakeholders from across Europe and beyond to reflect on the network’s achievements, exchange knowledge and discuss future cooperation beyond the lifetime of the Action.
The event opened on 23 June with the FruitCREWS Final Meeting, where Working Group leaders presented the main scientific achievements and ongoing activities developed throughout the Action. Participants also reviewed dissemination activities, Short-Term Scientific Missions and mobility grants that have contributed to strengthening collaboration across the international FruitCREWS network. The day concluded with a technical visit to the Van der Velpen pear orchard in Bierbeek, offering participants an opportunity to explore practical approaches to orchard management and irrigation, followed by a social dinner that encouraged further networking and exchange of ideas.
The highlight of the event took place on 24 June at the European Parliament Info Hub, where the FruitCREWS Final Workshop, “Sustainable Water Management for EU Agriculture: From Water Scarcity and Heat Waves to the Adoption of Technologies to Improve Irrigation Efficiency”, welcomed researchers, representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament, farmers’ organisations, irrigation associations and technology experts. The workshop focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing European agriculture: ensuring sustainable water management under increasing water scarcity and more frequent heat waves.
Throughout the workshop, participants reviewed the major scientific outcomes achieved by FruitCREWS over the past four years and discussed future research priorities, innovation needs and policy actions. Presentations highlighted advances in Decision Support Systems, sensing technologies, irrigation management and plant physiology, while emphasising that improving water resilience will require integrated solutions combining scientific knowledge, digital technologies, farmer engagement and supportive public policies. Discussions with representatives of DG AGRI, Members of the European Parliament and leading European stakeholder organisations reinforced the importance of strengthening collaboration between science, policy and agricultural practice to address Europe’s growing water challenges.
Following the workshop, the FruitCREWS community reconvened for dedicated sessions on future perspectives. Participants explored opportunities within Horizon Europe, discussed upcoming research and innovation initiatives, and took part in interactive brainstorming sessions aimed at identifying future collaborative projects and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the network. On the final day, discussions continued with practical planning of future project proposals, networking activities and upcoming opportunities, demonstrating the strong commitment of the community to continue working together beyond the official end of the COST Action.
Although FruitCREWS formally concludes in October 2026, the Final Event clearly demonstrated that its legacy extends far beyond the project itself. By bringing together more than 350 researchers and stakeholders from 43 countries over four years, the Action has established a vibrant international community dedicated to advancing sustainable water management, climate-resilient fruit production and evidence-based policymaking. The discussions held in Brussels confirmed a shared ambition to build on this foundation through new collaborations, future Horizon Europe proposals and continued knowledge exchange, ensuring that the FruitCREWS community remains active in addressing the water challenges facing European agriculture.