NFU holds first Water Summit

As dry weather continues, water availability and quality issues have risen sufficiently on the agricultural agenda for the Nation Farmers’ Union (NFU) to host its first ever Water Summit last week. This brought farmers together with leaders from Water UK, Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency, Defra and others.

Held on NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos' farm in Yorkshire, among the issues on the agenda were water pollution; climate change and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns; evolving regulatory and financial pressures; and lack of critical investment in water infrastructure – all within the context of national food security.

Hallos said: “A survey of NFU members… reveals nearly two-thirds have experienced a severe weather event in the past ten years that has affected their farming business in some way. Now’s the time to start having open and honest conversations and treating water as a national strategic priority…

“As an NFU, we have made actionable pledges for farmers to implement on the ground and we will work in partnership with the industry, to do what we can. But we cannot do it alone. We need everyone to start thinking about what we can each individually and collectively do and what will make a real difference.”

The NFU pledges concern:

• Robust data – there will be a pilot scheme in a defined catchment to test methodologies for farmers to undertake their own water quality testing, and awareness raising about emerging data and technology-led approaches that can help access water and aid with efficient application.

• Advice and information – the NFU will expand its water quality information package for members, including best practice advice and case studies, signposting to rules and funding initiatives, and information on how to prepare for an Environment Agency inspection. It will also work with members across all regions to support the formation of Water Abstractor Groups and communicate the risks and opportunities relating to future demand for water.

• Partnership working – the NFU will convene industry experts and regulators to develop and roll out nutrient management knowledge exchange and professional development. This will support water quality outcomes, nutrient use efficiency and productivity. It will also work with planners and regulators on resilient and sustainable options for accessing water, particularly during times and in places of scarcity, to deliver food security.

The NFU reported that an overriding message from attendees was the need for urgent investment in water infrastructure – as well as access to robust data and better planning systems that support slurry storage and on-farm reservoirs.