Areas of Britain are still suffering under the driest conditions in 35 years; there is a danger that, if parched areas do not receive enough rainfall before spring to recharge aquifers and rivers, they could face water shortages and restrictions, affecting growing conditions.

This could lead to a decline in production, as was threatened by the drought which affected France, the UK and Germany in spring, and to soaring food prices, which are only just experiencing a slow decline. Following the last severe drought in the UK, food prices rose 12 per cent.

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Some areas of England have experienced the driest 12 months since 1976, the famous drought year, when water supplies reached critically low levels and reservoirs dried up. A band of central England has received dangerously little rainfall over the past year; in the West Midlands, where last season’s crops fared surprisingly well despite dry conditions, only 64 per cent of the average rain has fallen since October last year.

Jenny Bashford, water policy adviser at the National Farmers’ Union, said, "There could be implications for next spring. We need a fortnight of good, solid, day-in day-out rain otherwise there is a risk of potential problems."

She explained figures show that, should the autumn and winter see below average rainfall, the effect on agriculture could be significant next year. She added that, with government set to publish its White Paper on water next month, the results of the NFU’s Water Survey, which are published today, are more relevant than ever.

The survey is carried out by the union every five years. According to the NFU, this year’s results show continued access to abstracted water at a minimised environmental impact will be vital for boosting future food production to meet the challenges ahead.  

Also commenting on the study’s results, NFU Vice President Gwyn Jones said, "There is no doubt that agriculture faces an enormous challenge when it comes to water use, as evidenced by some of the drought conditions earlier this year.

"The survey results show that the majority of farmers are taking action to increase their water efficiency. However, while the results make fascinating reading, it is a timely reminder that everyone must take this issue seriously.

"With government set to announce proposals for a new long-term abstraction framework in its Water White Paper, as well as changes to the way Ofwat sets water company prices, the NFU will be looking for a number of measures to be addressed to tackle the very real challenges going forward."

Jeanette Longfield, chief executive of sustainable farming advocates Sustain, said, "Almost certainly if there’s a problem with water supplies, there’s going to be an effect on crops, yields and food prices. Food prices are already high and if they are going to rise further this is going to affect every family."

The outlook for dry regions remains bleak; weather reports for November predict the month will remain dry. Longer-term projections from the Met Office suggest the North West and Scotland will receive heavy rains over the next month, but the parched areas of central England and the West Midlands are not forecast to receive substantial rain before mid-December.

The NFU is urging farmers to take measures to conserve water and address future challenges, including using run off from greenhouse roofs, increasing the capacity of reservoirs and improving the water efficiency of their operations.

The 2011 NFU Water Survey results can be viewed here.