NFU Deputy President reports on water abstraction breaking news
From 1 October, farmers and growers in England can abstract water outside the authorised abstraction period for the purpose of filling existing water storage reservoirs (with exceptions), the EA has announced. The NFU asked and the Environment Agency has taken action.
The changes allow farmers on a winter licence to take water outside of their authorised abstraction period from 1 to 31 October. There are exceptions in areas still severely impacted by drought.
Changes will also make it easier for farmers to secure long-term licences, by simplifying the process of providing evidence.
NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins said: “These guidance changes are a welcome step and follow many months of NFU campaigning.
“Allowing eligible winter abstraction licence holders greater flexibility to refill water storage in October could help some farm businesses manage the effects of an exceptionally hot and difficult summer. The simpler process for obtaining long-duration licences should also provide greater certainty and encourage investment in vital on-farm reservoirs.
“But these changes will not help everyone. Some of the farmers facing the most acute water pressures may be excluded from the winter abstraction guidance change, including businesses in the most water stressed areas. We will continue to make their case and work with the EA to ensure farm businesses are able to be resilient to drought.”
Check back for more information as the NFU update on this important work.
