More than 150 farmers and growers in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire will be allowed to resume water abstraction after the National Farmers' Union (NFU) raised concerns with the Environment Agency (EA). This follows a cessation order issued last week, which initially affected around 240 farmers. The EA confirmed during an NFU-organised meeting on Wednesday that restrictions would be lifted for approximately 150 of them.
The NFU stated it would continue working to find solutions for members whose restrictions remain in place and is urging authorities to develop long-term strategies to ensure reliable water access during dry periods, which it argues is vital for national food security.
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos, who attended the meeting, said: "This was a huge and very immediate concern for many of our members, who are already facing serious challenges due to the extreme dry weather. We are pleased to have worked collaboratively with the EA and the Internal Drainage Board to find a quick solution for some members."
She emphasized the need for coordinated long-term action, adding, "We must continue working with the government and the EA to address the increasingly frequent extreme weather incidents. The current situation is unsustainable for many farms, and for some, the financial impact could be irreversible. This ultimately threatens national food security."
Hallos acknowledged the importance of environmental protection and public access to water but stressed the need for collaboration and planning: "There is huge pressure on water in this country. It's about the bigger picture, storing water when it rains for future use. We need to ensure agriculture's voice is heard, and I am doing my utmost to ensure that happens."
The NFU requested an urgent meeting after members in the Cam and Ely Ouse catchments were issued with unexpected cessation notices. Farmers had already made voluntary reductions and believed they were some steps away from such drastic restrictions. Many were left surprised when access to vital irrigation water was abruptly revoked.
At the meeting, it was confirmed that for a limited number of abstraction licences, water restrictions would be eased. The Internal Drainage Board will be allowed to introduce more water into the system, and new irrigation restrictions will permit activity only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. This arrangement will last two weeks and be subject to review.
An EA spokesperson said that ongoing dry weather is affecting East Anglia and that the restrictions are in place to protect the environment and the rights of other abstractors. Impacted farmers are expected to receive formal notification from the EA on Friday, July 18.
For more information:
Jo Rector
NFU
Tel: +44 (0) 2476 858 686
Email: [email protected]
www.nfuonline.com
