Continued access to abstracted water will be vital in meeting the food production challenges that lie ahead.
That was our message this autumn when we published the results of our 2011 Water Survey. Hundreds of you told us just how important water resources are to modern farming processes. And you told us what you’re doing to use those resources responsibly, limit environmental impacts and plan for future challenges.
Such work is timely – our survey came following a record-breaking period of dry weather which the NFU is warning could have implications well into 2012. October 2010 to September 2011 was the driest 12 months on record for many areas of Britain, and some water authorities have already applied for winter drought permits.
An area of England stretching from the Welsh borders to the Wash received only 60-70% of its average rainfall. Without a substantial 'topping-up' of resources this winter, there could be real implications for crop production next year. Click here to visit our water channel.
We’ll be using this page to update you on the latest news, and as a resource for links and documents.
Latest news:
- Summit examines water pressures 17 Feb 2012
The NFU will lobby for farmers and growers at a national Drought Summit on Monday.
- Anglian spray prospects 'poor' 09 Feb 2012
Initial prospects for spray irrigation in the Anglian water region this summer are poor, according to an Environment Agency forecast released this week.
- Water watch: Latest situation 23 Jan 2012
We’ve added the latest news from the Environment Agency to our ‘water watch’ pages.
- Managing the flow... 01 Feb 2012
We’ve put together an NFU member briefing for those of you with an Environment Agency licence to abstract water.
- Water watch: Update 16 Jan 2012
We’ve added two new Environment Agency publications to our ‘water watch’ pages.
- Drought prospects: Latest 06 Jan 2012
The Environment Agency has published its latest drought briefing document. Meanwhile, the Met Office has shown just how dry 2011 was.
- 2011: Our second-warmest year 03 Jan 2012
The last 12 months made up Britain’s second-warmest year since records began, the Met Office has said.
- 'Ask us' message from EA on water 20 Dec 2011
Defra and the Environment Agency held a drought meeting with the land-based sector on Monday. See what was said here.
- Water White Paper – the NFU responds 09 Dec 2011
The NFU has responded to the publication of the Water White Paper, welcoming it as an opportunity to work with farmers and growers and the government. Find out what we liked - and what our concerns are.
- Water White Paper - NFU briefing 07 Dec 2011
We've put together a guide for members covering the likely implications of the Water White Paper, including a run-down of the measures we'd like to see.
- Water Watch: Latest update 05 Dec 2011
The predominantly dry weather continues, two water companies have applied for Drought Permits and a further application has been made to the Secretary of State for a Drought Order. Read our latest briefing.
- Water report 'common sense' - NFU 02 Dec 2011
Government looks to work with farmers to increase resilience to climate change.
- Visits highlight water pressure in the Fens 01 Dec 2011
As the Environment Agency publishes its latest Drought Prospects report, the NFU is taking two of its senior figures on-farm.
- Our 2011 Water Survey - results 18 Nov 2011
Continued access to abstracted water at a minimised environmental impact will be vital for boosting future food production.
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