Farmers’ union also outlines progress in tackling major water issues
The NFU has expressed concern that areas of the country are still in drought in December, despite the National Drought Group’s announcement that the country is beginning to recover from this summer’s extreme dy weather.
The union said the situation shows that there is still more to be done to address the significant water challenges that impact farmers’ ability to produce food for the nation, particularly the critical issues of water availability, as well as water quality.
The news comes as 68 per cent of NFU members surveyed say they’ve seen an increase in drought, while 56 per cent say they’ve seen an increase in flooding in the last 10 years.
Survey results also showed that of those farmers whose businesses were impacted by severe weather events, 47 per cent reported financial losses of at least £10,000, with 12 per cent reporting losses of over £100,000.
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “In all my years farming I can’t remember a time when we’ve been worried about drought in December. While farmers and growers are out the fields, sheds and glasshouses to make sure the food and flowers get to supermarket shelves in time for Christmas, it’s a real concern that water availability – a key ingredient in the production of these products – could be difficult in the year ahead.
“As our weather survey shows, going from extremes between dry weather and flooding is having a knock-on effect on farming and growing businesses, resulting in financial losses at a time when the Defra secretary has said farm profitability is vital for growth. It is essential that farmers and growers have resilience built into their businesses to weather these impacts.”
The NFU also outlined its work on water since its Water Summit almost six months ago, detailing progress towards its three key pledges.
Specifically, it has supported the creation of a Water Abstractor Group in Shropshire, with further interest being expressed by members in Kent, West Suffolk, Cambridge, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Yorkshire.
It has convened follow-on meetings with Water Summit partners on planning systems – a key area identified in supporting necessary infrastructure improvements on farms for reservoirs and slurry storage – and on supply chain collaboration.
It has engaged with scientific partners on the potential creation of a pilot scheme to test methodologies for farmers to undertake their own water quality testing. Further meetings are set up for the new year.
And it has increased its water quality information for farmers, which it said has resulted in members volunteering to test Defra’s new nutrient-management tool. NFU regional teams are also working with AHDB to arrange water quality advice meetings in the new year.
