EAST AGAINST THE ELEMENTS: Farmer warns Suffolk food firms could fold without reliable water
This comes after an investigation found Norfolk's water supply could dry up in under a decade
Last updated 27th Sep 2023
A farmer in the East is warning that many local food businesses will close or move abroad - if they don't have a more dependable supply of water in the future.
This comes after an investigation found that Norfolk's own water supply could dry up in under a decade.
Why is water security such a concern?
The East has long been known as one of the driest regions in the UK, in terms of rainfall, with many areas typically receiving less than 600mm in a given year.
Last year's summer was Norfolk's third driest on record and the effects of it are still being felt in North West Norfolk, North Norfolk Rivers and Broadland Rivers.
This comes even after a colder and unsettled spring and summer, which saw Norfolk get above average rainfall in May and swelter in 30C degrees plus, in September.
"They weren't sure the water supply that would be available"
Farmer Nick Deane lives in Hoveton, in Norfolk:
"If farmers aren't sure if they are going to be allocated that water, or the security of that supply, why are they going to put a project in the ground that's going to take 20 to 25 years to pay back.
"Winter storage reservoirs are a way of progressing towards our goal of getting water security. But we have to look at it as individual circumstances on individual farms, we don't have a network of pipes to call on."
He tells us of a nearby business that's already moving production to the continent:
"They have just moved 500 hectares of production to Spain, because they weren't sure the water supply that would be available for the crop being grown here. So it's just a case of exporting industry."
"We saw empty-shelves earlier in the year"
Kelly Hewson-Fisher is Water Resources Specialist for the National Farmers Union:
"Farmers have put measures in place after last summer. They have reviewed what they are growing in-line with water availability. We have looked at building resilience into their supply, themselves. So, we're talking building reservoirs."
Tom Bradshaw is chair of the National Farmers Union:
"They are times when there are no restrictions on domestic water supply, but there are restrictions on the water available to food production. I just don't think the importance and significance of what happens if we don't have that water is recognised by all.
"The one thing the farming industry needs is confidence. It's such a long term industry, if you make an investment in a reservoir now, it's a 20 year investment. You need to know you're going to have access to that water for the long-term.
"At the moment there's that uncertainty and it means people aren't investing in their businesses.
"We saw empty-shelves earlier in the year, that's all about the confidence of the sector to invest in the future.
"We believe we've got an incredibly productive agricultural industry that's willing to provide that food for the future. But they have to feel valued, get a return from the market and have confidence from Government."
What's being done to tackle this?
Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:
"Drought conditions over the last year have been difficult for farmers and local wildlife in North Norfolk and last week’s meeting was important to hear first-hand from primary producers and environmental partners – particularly as the challenges surrounding water security continue to grow.
"Through our Plan for Water, we are funding more on-farm reservoirs and better irrigation equipment for farmers, securing significant investment in our water resilience, and are ensuring key water supply infrastructure can be built more quickly.
"Last week’s meeting highlighted the need for every sector to think about their water requirements for the future; and the need for collaboration both regionally and at catchment level on infrastructure needs."
Initiatives through the Government’s Plan for Water include:
A second round of the £10 million Water Management Grant to fund more on-farm reservoirs and better irrigation equipment.
A twin-track approach to improving water resilience, involving action to reduce water company leaks alongside investing in new supply infrastructure, including transfers.
Abstraction license decisions will become more flexible to support the changing needs of farmers, the economy and the environment in the context of climate change.
Improvements in water resources planning for agriculture to help farmers consider future needs and ensure better resilience to drought.
Modernising the abstraction system using technology to make processes more efficient, for example sending e-alerts to provide speedier notifications directly to farmers when water is available for abstraction.
On 8 June, the Government also announced over £30 million under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, which is helping pay for equipment such as rainwater harvesting butts to help tackle water scarcity.
What's next?
You'll be hearing more from them and others this week as part of our #EastAgainstTheElements investigation.