We kicked off with an MP meeting with Saqib Bhatti, MP for Meridan and Solihull East, kindly hosted by Michael Sharlot of Fields Farm where we took a brief tour of the dairy unit.
Subjects on the agenda were cattle permits, food security, inheritance tax, fly-tipping, rural crime and land banking through parcelisation.
Water and Severn Trent
Severn Trent held a workshop showcasing their Environmental Destination for Warwickshire and, in particular, the subject of abstraction.
The purpose of the workshop was to:
- introduce environmental destination as a workstream
- share understanding of the data and the problems it is suggesting
- improve the characterisation of catchments (problems, priority areas/ habitats/ things we want to protect)
- find out how other water users are tackling issues
- understand how Severn Trent can work with others, put forward solutions and maximise benefits
The Environment Agency has set the environmental destination through producing a National Framework for Water Resources which sets out the government’s strategic objectives for England’s long-term water needs.
The workshop was an opportunity for members to demonstrate to Severn Trent the actual picture of usage today within the growing industry and the constraints faced and to explore where solutions may be found.
This workshop set the foundation for further meetings on this subject in due course.
The exceptional dry weather has kept water availability and resilience firmly on the agenda. Provisional figures indicate that England and Wales experienced their driest July on record, with serious implications for crop yields, irrigation, grass growth and winter livestock feed supplies.
The NFU is calling for greater flexibility around abstraction, quicker planning decisions for agricultural water storage and stronger support for investment in on-farm reservoirs.
County council
Warwickshire County Council has also introduced a Farmer Welfare Grant, recognising the significant personal and business pressures experienced within farming.
Members should never hesitate to seek support when pressures begin to build, whether for themselves, a family member or someone in their community.
Thank you again to every member, host, speaker and colleague who has contributed to our activities over recent weeks. Your involvement allows us to keep representing Warwickshire farming effectively and to build stronger relationships across the county.
Planning is now fully underway for next year’s road map of events for the next membership year.
Date for your diary
Moreton Show on 5 September – I’ll be there all day, so call into the NFU stand for cuppa and a chat.
Until next time, stay safe!
Stay connected: join the NFU Warwickshire WhatsApp group
Join our county WhatsApp group to keep up to date with the latest news and events.