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Farmers

Water Security Summit Highlights Urgent Need for Investment in Water Infrastructure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent summit on water security, organized by the National Farmers' Union (NFU), brought together industry experts, water companies, and environmental NGOs to discuss the challenges of water pollution, climate change, and unpredictable weather patterns impacting national food security. NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos emphasized the importance of treating water as a national strategic priority, highlighting the need for urgent investment in water infrastructure, robust data, and better planning systems. The event also saw attendees call for action within the updated Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to help farmers reduce water pollution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nearly two-thirds of NFU members have experienced a severe weather event in the past 10 years that has affected their farming business, according to a survey.
  • The NFU has made actionable pledges for farmers to implement on the ground, and will work in partnership with the industry to tackle water challenges.
  • Attendees emphasized the need for urgent investment in water infrastructure, as well as access to robust data and better planning systems.
  • The updated Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will be reviewed to help farmers reduce water pollution, as stated by the Secretary of State.
  • Breakout sessions focused on issues of investment, innovation, and circular economy, with a call for better collaboration between government, local authorities, environmental NGOs, the supply chain, and water companies.
  • The NFU's summit was attended by over sixty industry experts, water companies, and environmental NGOs, including the Secretary of State for Defra.

Statistics:

  • Nearly two-thirds of NFU members (64%) have experienced a severe weather event in the past 10 years that has affected their farming business.
  • The NFU has made actionable pledges for farmers to implement on the ground, with a focus on reducing water pollution.
  • The updated Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will be reviewed to help farmers reduce water pollution.

Sources:

  • NFU (2023) - NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos quoted in the article
  • NFU (2023) - NFU's survey of members experiencing severe weather events
  • DEFRA (2023) - Secretary of State for Defra Steve Reed quoted in the article
  • Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) - referenced in the article as part of the updated initiative
  • NFU (2023) - NFU's website and promotional material for the Water Summit

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