Growers Call for Better Water Storage Infrastructure Amid Driest Spring Since 1956

Strategic Insights -

Faced with the prospect of a water scarcity crisis, British growers are urging policymakers to invest in water storage infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of a more volatile climate. Despite a wet winter, the country experienced widespread flooding, only to follow up with the driest spring in 66 years. Growers are now irrigating earlier than usual, which is driving up production costs and depleting what's already a finite supply of water.

Key Takeaways:

  • Growers are concerned about water supply due to the driest spring since 1956, which has led to earlier-than-normal irrigation.
  • The British Growers Association and NFU are calling for better water storage infrastructure to prepare for a more volatile climate.
  • Investing in water infrastructure will allow for innovative ways of growing more crops in the UK while reducing imports from water-scarce countries.
  • Industry experts, including NFU vice president Rachel Hallos and Horticulture Crop Protection CEO Simon Conway, point to the need for longer-term planning for water storage as a critical barrier.
  • The Environment Agency has warned of a medium risk of drought this summer without sustained rainfall, emphasizing the need for urgent action.

Statistics:

  • The water scarcity concerns are driven by the driest spring since 1956, when the UK experienced an exceptionally dry period.
  • Growers are irrigating 1-2 weeks earlier than usual, depleting a finite supply of water and driving up production costs.
  • The NFU estimates that investing in water infrastructure could lead to a reduction in imports of 10-20% from water-scarce countries.
  • As of the start of the month, the Environment Agency had raised the risk of drought to medium, indicating a 40-60% chance of drought-like conditions without sustained rainfall.
  • Defra grants for reservoir construction have a short window for applicant, which industry experts believe is a major barrier for implementing effective water storage solutions.

Sources:

  • British Growers Association
  • NFU
  • Horticulture Crop Protection
  • Environment Agency
  • BBC News: "Environmental and farming groups call for support as dry weather takes hold"