From 16–18 June 2025, the third Annual Meeting of the FruitCREWS COST Action (CA21142) was held in the vibrant town of Naoussa, Greece, bringing together over 100 participants from 24 countries. The event was jointly organised by the Cyprus University of Technology and the University of Bologna under the auspices of COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology. The programme offered a unique blend of scientific exchange and cultural immersion, with a strong focus on advancing knowledge and practices in the water management of fruit crops.
Day 1 – Annual Meeting, Technical Tour & Cultural Insights
The first day featured a technical and cultural tour showcasing key regional institutions and heritage sites. Participants visited the Pomology Institute of ELGO-DIMITRA, the Agricultural Cooperatives ACNaoussa and ASEPOP Naoussa, and explored the historical Aristotle’s School Cultural Center. This was followed by the FruitCREWS Management Committee meeting, during which working group leaders presented progress updates. The day concluded with a social gathering and spontaneous traditional dancing – a warm reflection of local hospitality and networking spirit.
Days 2 & 3 – International Conference: Water Relations and Irrigation of Fruit Crops – From Science to Policy and Practice
The following two days were dedicated to the International Conference, which featured six keynote lectures, 33 oral presentations, and 24 poster sessions. Topics ranged from orchard technologies and stress physiology to decision support systems and the integration of science with policy. Researchers shared cutting-edge insights into precision irrigation, remote sensing, climate adaptation, and digital tools for sustainable water use.
The conference highlighted strong participation from Greece, Italy, Spain, and Cyprus – the most represented countries – and fostered knowledge exchange across disciplines and geographies. A festive gala dinner at the Kioski venue added a celebratory tone to the second evening, further strengthening connections among scientists, practitioners, and stakeholders.
Significance for the FruitCREWS Community and Research Development
This gathering marked an important step forward for the FruitCREWS Action by facilitating interdisciplinary dialogue between researchers and industry representatives. It reinforced the role of FruitCREWS as a collaborative platform bridging scientific advances and practical solutions for water-efficient fruit production. With the Mediterranean region facing increasing water scarcity, this timely event underscored the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and policy engagement.
A special thanks goes to George Manganaris from the Cyprus University of Technology, whose dedication and leadership were instrumental in the successful organisation and delivery of the 3-day FruitCREWS event in Naoussa.
View the full photo gallery here.
Watch the full video of the 3-day meeting here.
Watch the videos of Day1, Day2 and Day3.
Read Book of Abstracts here.
Read selected presentations from the Workshop here.