smart practices. sustainable solutions. smart initiatives irrigation association (usa) irrigation...
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Smart Practices. Sustainable Solutions.
Smart InitiativesIrrigation Association (USA)
Irrigation New ZealandConference and Expo
April 2014
Irrigated Agriculture in the United States
• 310 million acres of harvested cropland in the U.S. (USDA 2007)
• Approximately 57 million acres of U.S. cropland are irrigated (18%); farmers use pressure irrigation systems on about 40 percent of these acres. (USDA 2007)
“Potential exists to improve irrigation water use while sustaining yields in every basin. Conservation applied
on all irrigated cropland could provide nationwide improvement.” (USDA 2011)
Irrigated Agriculture in the United States
Irrigated Agriculture in the United States
• World population expected exceed 9 billion by 2050; an increase of 50% from today (UN Water 2013)
• In 2009, irrigated fields accounted for less than 20% of of U.S. cropland, but yielded 40% of total agricultural output. (NumbersUSA.com)
VISION:To be the recognized authority on irrigation
MISSION:To promote efficient irrigation
CORE STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTADVOCACY
Government Affairs
Public AffairsStandards &
CodesEducation Certification
CORE SUPPORT INITIATIVES
Membership Irrigation Show
2013-2016 IA Strategic PlanApproved September 2013
Training
Advocacy
• Government and Public Affairs– Influence policy to increase the demand for
efficient irrigation.
• Standards and Codes– Establish product and practice standards that drive
efficient irrigation.
Agreement with the Irrigation Association, currently working on:•Reevaluating standards on how to test pivot nozzles•Drip irrigation installation and design
• Recently met in New Delhi – representative from IA and ASABE attending.
• Focusing on water metering for agricultural water use
Standards and Codes
Smart Water Application Technologies (SWAT)
• Joint industry – water agency effort for market transformation since 2003
• Product testing for efficient products:– Weather-based controllers– Soil moisture sensors– Rain sensors
• Rebate programs
Smart Irrigation Month
• Public affairs campaign since 2006
• PSAs, sample proclamations, statement stuffers, articles, press releases
• Smart Marketing Contest
www.smartirrigationmonth.org
Professional Development
• Education & Training – Increase the recognized value of IA’s
educational programs.
Professional Development
Increase the recognized value of and demand for IA-certified professionals.
• 300 exhibitors• 4,000 total attendees• Educational opportunities• Networking opportunities
2014 Irrigation ShowPhoenix, Arizona
Trade Show: 19-20 November | Conference: 17-21 November
“SMART” Trends
1) Greater need for efficient products and professionals services.
2) More sophisticated irrigation designs and installations will be required.
3) Sustainability is driving discussion and education about irrigation, inside and outside of our community.
4) Partnerships formed today will be long lasting – providing positive results.
