The Environment Agency has announced plans to help farmers fill irrigation reservoirs over the winter abstraction period, aimed at easing the pressure on farmers due to water scarcity. The new plans have been welcomed by the farming industry as a potential boon, as scientists have warned the future could mean Britain experiences increasingly dry summers.

The Environment Agency regulatory statement sets out a range of measures to ensure farmers are supplied with enough water if forecasts for drought in parts of England later this year come true. These include allowing more access to high flows in the summer period, increasing pumping rates, temporarily relaxing certain abstraction restrictions and potentially extending the winter abstraction period beyond the end of this month.

The latest data from the Environment Agency shows there is a high probability of drought for much of England this year, particularly parts of the South, East and a swathe of the Midlands. Soil moisture deficits remain higher than in 1976, the last severe drought year, which will impact on the rate at which aquifers are able to recharge.  

NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond welcomed the EA announcement, stating, “This is a really positive step by the EA, in part a result of the NFU’s calls for a greater regulatory flexibility. We acknowledge and appreciate the close working relationship that has developed between our organisations over the past 12 months.”

Mr Raymond said there is need for a more ‘joined up’ approach and that the EA’s measures must be complemented by water company drought plans. Farmers have also expressed concerns about emergency plans for supplying drinking water for livestock, which Mr Raymond said ought also to be factored into plans going forward.

Environment Agency spokesperson Pauline Smith offered assurance, "We will continue to be as flexible as possible around the abstraction regulations while protecting the environment.”

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