Welcome message

Dear participants,

Marseille is proud to host the 26th International Congress of ICID and the 77th International Executive Council Meeting from 12 to 17 October 2026. This major event takes place in a global context marked by increasing tensions surrounding water management, food security, and the impacts of climate change.

Under the theme “Water and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change” the congress will bring together stakeholders from across the globe – researchers, engineers, institutions, public decision-makers, NGOs, and civil society representatives – to share knowledge, innovations, and experiences on the core challenges of irrigation and drainage.

These topics have never been more relevant. Irrigated agriculture, which covers only 20% of cultivated land, produces nearly 40% of the world's food while accounting for 70% of global water consumption. In a world facing population growth, resource scarcity, soil degradation, and  climate change, managing water effectively has become a key condition for agricultural resilience.

This congress is resolutely action-oriented. It will offer a moment to assess and discuss available levers:  agro-ecological transitions in irrigated agriculture, use of non-conventional water (reuse of wastewater and desalination of sea water), technological innovations (intelligent irrigation management, remote sensing, high-performance equipment), new forms of international cooperation and public policy, etc. — all essential tools to support the transition towards efficient and sustainable agricultural systems.

The choice of Marseille as host city is a meaningful one. As a Mediterranean city at the crossroads of cultures and climate issues, it embodies both the tensions and opportunities of water management in constrained environments. With its dynamic research ecosystem and strong commitment to sustainability, Marseille also provides fertile ground for dialogue and innovation.

The congress is organized by Eau, Agriculture et Territoires, a collaborative platform that brings together experts, researchers, engineers, and farmers around agricultural water issues. The association actively contributes to the dissemination of best practices and the promotion of French expertise, both nationally and internationally, particularly through its leadership of the Scientific and Technical Committee on Agricultural Water.

We wish you all a congress rich in exchange, collective reflection, and concrete perspectives for building tomorrow’s solutions — together.

Welcome to Marseille, welcome to the 26th ICID Congress!

Bruno Grawitz, 

President of Eau, Agriculture et Territoires et ICID Vice President