Powering Agriculture Innovator ECO Consult's successful partnership with Wageningen University in the Netherlands was part of the conversation at a recent luncheon hosted by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for Jordan's King Abdullah and Queen Rania Al Abdullah.

USAID’s first Global Water Coordinator recently visited several USAID-supported project sites in the Middle East. His trip included a stop at one of ECO Consult’s hydroponic greenhouses. This water-saving technology reduces water usage by up to 40% and significantly increases crop yields.

Hydroponic agriculture—growing crops without soil—can be traced back to ancient times. In the Middle East, local agriculture cannot provide enough food due to shortages of water and arable land. Jordan sees potential in hydroponics, using up to 90 percent less water than conventional agriculture.

U.S. Ambassador to Jordan Alice Wells showcased locally-grown hydroponic and organic vegetables during a May 9 reception with Jordanian producers and government officials in honor of the visit to Jordan by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack.

Would improving diesel technology have more immediate environmental impacts than introducing solar “smart irrigation”? The question was posed during a high-level panel discussion at the event announcing the winners of the Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development.