ICID 2026 in Marseille

Faced with the Water Crisis, France Launches the Countdown to the 26th ICID World Congress, to Be Held in October 2026 in Marseille.

Theme: “Water and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change"

Le Tholonet, June 26, 2025 – As water, a vital resource under pressure, emerges as one of the greatest geopolitical and agricultural challenges of the coming decades, more than a hundred experts, researchers, decision-makers, and professionals from the water and agriculture sectors came together this Thursday at the headquarters of the Société du Canal de Provence (SCP) in Le Tholonet for the official launch of the 2026 ICID International Congress, focusing on the theme “Water and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change". Organized by the French association Eau, Agriculture et Territoires (EAT), this congress — both a professional exhibition and scientific seminar — will take place in Marseille in October 2026.

Climate, Food, and Innovation: A Strategic Triangle

With the global population expected to range between 8 and 10 billion by 2050, pressure on water resources is intensifying, and climate disruption only worsens the situation. “Three more degrees means 2,500 billion cubic meters of additional evapotranspiration,” warned Nicolas Roche, professor at Aix Marseille University and co chair of the congress’s scientific committee, alongside Sami Bouarfa, INRAE research director, who emphasized: “It is urgent to accelerate our adaptation efforts to become more resilient.”

Three key focus areas for the upcoming congress were presented by the scientific committee, supplemented by expert commentary:

• Agroecology and Irrigation: Delphine Leenhardt (Research Director at INRAE) engaged in discussions with Frédéric Maurel (AFD) and Moshi Berenstein (President of the EIA, European Irrigation Association) about ways to align agroecological practices with more efficient, intelligent irrigation.
• Technology and Innovation: Bruno Cheviron (Research Director at INRAE) spoke with Virginie Scouarnec (Head of Development at Netafim), François Hamon (Director of Strategy & Innovation for Water at Greencityzen), and Cristina Casian (Director of Ea Eco Enterprises representing Aqua Valley) about the concrete benefits of connected sensors, satellite data, and advanced irrigation equipment in enhancing water efficiency.
• Non Conventional Water Resources: The challenges posed by wastewater reuse and desalination were discussed by Nicolas Roche with Ehssan El Meknassi (expert in the Scientific and Technical Committee for Agricultural Water in Southern Countries, Morocco) and Gaëtan Blandin (researcher at the University of Girona, Spain), highlighting the urgency of exploring these alternatives as traditional water resources continue to dwindle.

Marseille in Focus: A Collective Mobilization

The momentum launched on June 26 is just the beginning. Several key milestones were announced:

1. Call for Scientific Contributions: Open to both public and private researchers across disciplines.
2. Webinar for Prospective Exhibitors and Sponsors (private operators, solution providers, institutions): scheduled for July 8, 2025, at 2:30 PM.

“Faced with climate change, the Sud Region is asserting its role as a pioneering area for sustainable agricultural water management. This congress will be a strategic gathering and a showcase of our collective commitment to resilient and innovative agriculture,” emphasized Bénédicte Martin, Vice President of the Sud Region and President of the Société du Canal de Provence.

According to Bruno Grawitz, President of the EAT association and Vice President of ICID: “In a world grappling with population growth, increasing scarcity of resources and climate change, mastery of water has become a vital requirement for agricultural resilience. The ICID 2026 Congress will be resolutely action oriented, mobilizing knowledge, innovations, and public policies to build concrete solutions for the future.”

Attendees left determined to support the event, to share its message across their professional networks, and to make Marseille 2026 a pivotal moment for the agriculture of tomorrow.

Press Contact:

• press-icid26@kit-group.org
• https://icidcongress2026.org/en/icid/

About the 2026 ICID International Congress:

The ICID International Congress will take place from October 12–17, 2026, at Parc Chanot in Marseille. Between 1,000 and 1,200 participants from approximately 50 countries are expected, including water and agriculture stakeholders such as managers, public decision makers, solution providers, institutions, NGOs, consulting firms, academic researchers, and students. Its theme: “Water and Agricultural Resilience in the Face of Climate Challenges”. The congress has received early financial support from the Bouches du Rhône department and the Marseille Tourism Office.

About the Organizers:

Eau, Agriculture et Territoires (EAT, formerly AFEID) is a French association bringing together professionals and researchers in the agricultural water sector. Its mission is to foster the development and dissemination of French expertise, knowledge, and best practices in agricultural water management, both in France and internationally. It serves as the French correspondent within the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). Since 1951, ICID — an international, non governmental organization with consultative status at the United Nations — has organized a flagship triennial congress addressing emerging global topics in irrigation and drainage. The proceedings of these congresses form a reference guide for agricultural water stakeholders worldwide. France will host the 26th edition of this international congress from October 12–17, 2026, at Parc Chanot in Marseille.