As UK agriculture is facing a growing water crisis, the NFU has launched an urgent national summit to tackle the threat of deepening to food production, water quality and supply.
The event provided an important platform to investigate the pressing challenges facing UK agriculture, from water pollution and climate change to aging infrastructure and extreme weather patterns. All of these pose a threat to the national food security.
The summit, held at Beeston Hall Farm in West Yorkshire on July 28, brought together more than 60 delegates, including Defra Secretary Stevereed, along with representatives of experts from water companies, NGOs, supply chains and industry.
Speaking from her own farm, NFU Vice President Rachel Harros highlighted the growing severity of the situation.
“However, we are facing increased pressure on water, including resources, floods, quality,” she emphasized that essential agricultural practices, such as the use of nutrients, carelessly affect river water quality through runoff, and how continuous cycles of drought and flood damage crop yields.
“It all undermines the stability and resilience of our agricultural business and ultimately affects our food security.”
She pointed to new NFU surveys showing that nearly two-thirds of its members have experienced severe weather events that have affected farm operations over the past decade.
Looking for “open and honest conversations” and full action, Hallos said:
“But we can’t do it on our own. We need everyone to start thinking about what can each and collectively do and what makes a real difference.”
The breakout session at the summit focuses on investment, innovation and the circular economy, with participants repeatedly highlighting the urgent need for greater investment in water infrastructure.
This includes improved access to accurate data, a modernized planning framework, and infrastructure support for slurry storage and farm reservoirs.
Encouraged, the Secretary of State has expressed his willingness to explore further measures within the updated Sustainable Agricultural Incentives (SFI) that can support efforts to reduce water pollution.
Harros emphasized that the summit only marks the beginning of what must be continuous and collaborative.
“These conversations must continue, so we can work better with governments, local governments, environmental NGOs, supply chains and water companies, ensure farmers have access to clean water supply to produce sustainable food for their people, and prioritize UK food security as national security.”
