Irrigation subsidies influence decisions about which crops to produce, how much to produce and where they are produced. Irrigation subsidies in wealthier countries can also affect the relative competitiveness of developing countries, which have fewer financial resources to invest in irrigation.

The GSI identifies and quantifies subsidies to irrigation, so the benefits and costs of policies can begin to be assessed. Our work includes forging agreement on common terms and estimation methods, supporting research to identify data, and assisting governments in making better data available.