Speaking at the WWT Water Security Conference, Mr Roberts explained to delegates the importance of sufficient funding, technology and infrastructure to enable farmers to deliver on environmental ambitions.
He went on to highlight examples of good work already happening; cultivation techniques, rainwater harvesting, dip irrigation, shared water networks, on farm storage, and the barriers some of these face.
He also reminded the audience that, ultimately, Britain has a precious resource that a lot of the world doesn’t. Water scarcity in countries the UK imports from can be displaced with domestic production if the right market environment is created.
Speaking after the event, Mr Roberts said:
“Farmers are not just a key component in finding solutions to climate change and water challenges, they are also the first people impacted by changes to water and the climate. We want to be part of the solution, work with others and play our part, but that will only happen if agriculture becomes a recognised part of the solution.
“The regional water resource groups are a great example of how things can be done innovatively and collaboratively, but also how a new approach needs us all to think and behave differently. We often look defensively at water and climate change. 'How do we stop/avoid drought and flood?' for example, rather than looking offensively at how we can catch, move and store water to use it to its fullest potential.
“It was great to see a coming together of minds at the WWT Water Security Conference. It provided me a lot of hope for future industry-wide collaboration as we work towards a secure supply of water for future generations.”