In DIMAS (Deficit Irrigation for Mediterranean Agricultural Systems), the DI concept is the subject of multidisciplinary research at different geographic locations, different scales and with different perennial and annual crops. The aim is to develop a workable, comprehensive set of deficit irrigation (DI) strategies that can be disseminated among the various agricultural systems of the Mediterranean Region. The main activities of the project are: a) the development of a general summary model of crop yield as a function of water supply, b) the validation of the model for the main irrigated annual (wheat, sunflower, cotton) and perennial crops (olive, pistachio, citrus), using common research protocols, c) a survey on physical, socio-economic and cultural conditions for each crop and irrigated area, and d) scaling up by combining the yield model with economic optimization modules that will generate optimum DI strategies compatible with the specific socio-economic characteristics of each area under study. The results of the project will lead to providing recommendations for reducing irrigation water use in specific crops while ensuring the sustainability of irrigated agricultural systems in the Mediterranean basin. Feedback with project end-users will take place via participation of farmers associations and irrigation water agencies who will contribute their expertise in managing water scarcity, thus ensuring that all relevant issues are addressed.