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A fair share of water foragricultureA strategyfor irrigationin EasternEngland

East of England Development Agency The Business CentreStation Road, HistonCambs CB4 9LQT: 01223 713900www.eeda.org.uk

Environment AgencyKingfisher HouseGoldhay WayOrton GoldhayPeterborough PE2 5ZRT: 0870 850 6506www.environment-agency.gov.uk

National Farmers Union Agriculture HouseWillie Snaith RoadNewmarketCambs CB8 7SNT: 01638 672106www.nfuonline.com

UK Irrigation Associationc/o The Old VicarageMain StreetTorkseyLincoln LN1 2EET: 01427 717627www.ukia.org

This publication forms part of a project funded by the East of England Development Agency, the European Social Fund,and the Environment Agency to develop a water strategy for agri-business in Eastern England. The project wasimplemented by Cranfield University in association with the National Farmers Union and RTCS Ltd.

The authors of this publication – Jerry Knox, Keith Weatherhead, and Juan Rodriguez-Diaz (Cranfield University) andMelvyn Kay (RTCS Ltd) wish to make it clear that the content of this publication and the views expressed are those of theauthors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the organisations listed above.

The authors also wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by numerous stakeholders to the development ofthis strategy. This includes contributions to the preliminary studies on Water Abstractor Groups and the impact of the 2006drought on the region’s agriculture, and to the stakeholder workshops. The field maps on page 7 were provided by Tim Lacey.

Front cover: Distribution of abstraction licences for spray irrigation in EA Anglian Region in 2006. Data copyright Environment Agency 2007.

A strategy to ensure that agriculturereceives a fair share of waterresources and uses it in asustainable and efficient manner

For more information please contact:

Jerry KnoxCentre for Water ScienceCranfield UniversityCranfieldBedfordshire MK43 0AL

T: 01234 750111 ext 2756E: j.knox@cranfield.ac.ukW: www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/staff/knoxj.htm

Melvyn KayUK Irrigation Associationc/o The Old VicarageMain Street, TorkseyLincoln LN1 2EE

T: 01427 717627E: m.kay@ukia.orgW: www.ukia.org

Paul Hammett National Farmers UnionAgriculture HouseWillie Snaith RoadNewmarket, Cambs CB8 7SN

T: 01638 672106E: paul.hammett@nfu.org.ukW: www.nfuonline.com

This publication can also be downloaded from the UKIAwebsite – www.ukia.org

Over–licensed 47%

Over–abstracted 23%

No water available 21%

Water available 9%

Working together

Improving dialogue betweenindividual abstractors, the agri-

food industry and regulator.

Making best use ofavailable water

Improving the security of on-farm water supplies and

ensuring its wise use.

Developing aknowledge base

Improving water managementknowledge and skills trainingwithin the agri-food industry.

A fair share of water for agricultureWater is essential to farming in Eastern England – one of thedriest and most water-stressed regions of the UK. Without it many agri-businesses would simply not survive. Irrigated agriculturesupplies the UK’s food market with substantial quantities of highquality potatoes, fruit and vegetables. But increasing regulation,droughts, and the risks associated with climate change all threatenthe sustainability of this industry and the rural livelihoods itsupports. A strategy is needed to ensure that agriculture receivesa fair share of the available water resource and uses it in a moresustainable and efficient way.

Irrigated agriculture is an essential part of the rural economyin Eastern England. More than 1000 agri-businesses, bothlarge and small, depend on water to supply high qualityproduce to the nation’s supermarkets providing over 30% ofpotatoes and 25% of all fruit and vegetables.

Agriculture in the world of water

This booklet describes the visions and actions needed to successfully address these threethemes. Although this strategy focuses on Eastern England, many of the measures identifiedhave relevance in other regions of the UK where irrigated agriculture plays a dominant role inthe rural economy.

The strategy… is to ensure that agriculture receives a fairshare of the available water resource and uses it in a moresustainable and efficient way.

The way forwardFollowing extensive consultation with key informants in the agri-food industry, and withother stakeholders with interests in water, three main themes have been identifiedtogether with the actions that need to be taken. Each involves some actions that farmerscan take independently to improve their on-farm water security. But there are otheractions that farmers working alone or in small groups cannot deal with easily. These willneed support from the wider stakeholder community.Together, these actions will help to reduce water wastage, and maximise the value ofwater for agriculture for the benefit of the agri-food industry, the rural economy, and thenatural environment.

Why not leave it to the market?Should the market decide the future of farming in Eastern England? Theoutcome of water shortages may be a shift from intensive high-valueirrigated agriculture to low-input cereal production. The consequences ofthis would be very serious for the many rural communities that rely on theirrigated agri-food industry for their livelihoods.

Did you know...• Irrigated agriculture represents only

1% of total water use nationally• In England, irrigated agriculture

accounts for only 4% of crop area but20% of crop value

•60% of the irrigated area and 57% ofthe volume of water used for irrigationis located in Eastern England

Box 1 Proportion of the totallicensed volume for irrigation in EAAnglian Region in 2006 within eachwater resource category

Irrigated production in the UK does not receive anyEuropean subsidy support yet provides substantialbenefits. Beyond the farm-gate many localbusinesses service this industry. They provideequipment and farm supplies, post-harvestprocessing and packaging, marketing services,transport, and distribution. It is estimated thattogether the agri-food industry employs over 50,000people and contributes some £3 billion annually tothe region’s economy.

Water is at the heart of this industry – without it manyfarmers would simply not be able to meet theexacting standards of quality and continuity of supplydemanded by supermarkets and consumers –arguably one of the most sophisticated markets inthe world. Yet, nearly three quarters of the watervolume licensed for irrigation is located withincatchments under severe levels of water stress (see Box 1).

Recent droughts and the longer-term threat of climatechange – with hotter, drier summers, reduced wateravailability, and increasing water demand – onlyheighten concerns about the reliability of futuresupplies for irrigated agriculture. Research confirmsthat Eastern England will be one of the regions mostimpacted by climate change.

During periods of scarcity, water for domestic use,industry, and the environment generally takeprecedence. Coupled with uncertainties aboutchanges in the way water is to be allocated infuture, many agri-businesses are reluctant to investin irrigation infrastructure for the long-term. This canonly be to the detriment of this industry.

Some farmers are already taking steps to managetheir existing water supplies more efficiently. Butthere is still room for improvement on most farmsand there are many water conservation measuresthat individuals themselves can adopt.

However, there are some steps that individuals alonecannot take because of the complex nature of waterresources management. These will need morecollective action by stakeholders.

Over–licensed 47%

Over–abstracted 23%

No water available 21%

Water available 9%

Working together

Improving dialogue betweenindividual abstractors, the agri-

food industry and regulator.

Making best use ofavailable water

Improving the security of on-farm water supplies and

ensuring its wise use.

Developing aknowledge base

Improving water managementknowledge and skills trainingwithin the agri-food industry.

A fair share of water for agricultureWater is essential to farming in Eastern England – one of thedriest and most water-stressed regions of the UK. Without it many agri-businesses would simply not survive. Irrigated agriculturesupplies the UK’s food market with substantial quantities of highquality potatoes, fruit and vegetables. But increasing regulation,droughts, and the risks associated with climate change all threatenthe sustainability of this industry and the rural livelihoods itsupports. A strategy is needed to ensure that agriculture receivesa fair share of the available water resource and uses it in a moresustainable and efficient way.

Irrigated agriculture is an essential part of the rural economyin Eastern England. More than 1000 agri-businesses, bothlarge and small, depend on water to supply high qualityproduce to the nation’s supermarkets providing over 30% ofpotatoes and 25% of all fruit and vegetables.

Agriculture in the world of water

This booklet describes the visions and actions needed to successfully address these threethemes. Although this strategy focuses on Eastern England, many of the measures identifiedhave relevance in other regions of the UK where irrigated agriculture plays a dominant role inthe rural economy.

The strategy… is to ensure that agriculture receives a fairshare of the available water resource and uses it in a moresustainable and efficient way.

The way forwardFollowing extensive consultation with key informants in the agri-food industry, and withother stakeholders with interests in water, three main themes have been identifiedtogether with the actions that need to be taken. Each involves some actions that farmerscan take independently to improve their on-farm water security. But there are otheractions that farmers working alone or in small groups cannot deal with easily. These willneed support from the wider stakeholder community.Together, these actions will help to reduce water wastage, and maximise the value ofwater for agriculture for the benefit of the agri-food industry, the rural economy, and thenatural environment.

Why not leave it to the market?Should the market decide the future of farming in Eastern England? Theoutcome of water shortages may be a shift from intensive high-valueirrigated agriculture to low-input cereal production. The consequences ofthis would be very serious for the many rural communities that rely on theirrigated agri-food industry for their livelihoods.

Did you know...• Irrigated agriculture represents only

1% of total water use nationally• In England, irrigated agriculture

accounts for only 4% of crop area but20% of crop value

•60% of the irrigated area and 57% ofthe volume of water used for irrigationis located in Eastern England

Box 1 Proportion of the totallicensed volume for irrigation in EAAnglian Region in 2006 within eachwater resource category

Irrigated production in the UK does not receive anyEuropean subsidy support yet provides substantialbenefits. Beyond the farm-gate many localbusinesses service this industry. They provideequipment and farm supplies, post-harvestprocessing and packaging, marketing services,transport, and distribution. It is estimated thattogether the agri-food industry employs over 50,000people and contributes some £3 billion annually tothe region’s economy.

Water is at the heart of this industry – without it manyfarmers would simply not be able to meet theexacting standards of quality and continuity of supplydemanded by supermarkets and consumers –arguably one of the most sophisticated markets inthe world. Yet, nearly three quarters of the watervolume licensed for irrigation is located withincatchments under severe levels of water stress (see Box 1).

Recent droughts and the longer-term threat of climatechange – with hotter, drier summers, reduced wateravailability, and increasing water demand – onlyheighten concerns about the reliability of futuresupplies for irrigated agriculture. Research confirmsthat Eastern England will be one of the regions mostimpacted by climate change.

During periods of scarcity, water for domestic use,industry, and the environment generally takeprecedence. Coupled with uncertainties aboutchanges in the way water is to be allocated infuture, many agri-businesses are reluctant to investin irrigation infrastructure for the long-term. This canonly be to the detriment of this industry.

Some farmers are already taking steps to managetheir existing water supplies more efficiently. Butthere is still room for improvement on most farmsand there are many water conservation measuresthat individuals themselves can adopt.

However, there are some steps that individuals alonecannot take because of the complex nature of waterresources management. These will need morecollective action by stakeholders.

Improving dialogue

Most WAGs have now established good channels ofcommunication with the Environment Agency todiscuss how best to use limited water resources intheir catchment and how to deal with supply issuesduring times of drought. The Environment Agency isable to ‘talk’ to groups rather than lots of disparateindividuals. In one case this was so effective that afarmer described the 2006 drought as not a crisis but more of a problem to be dealt with throughnegotiation with the Environment Agency.

Another group produced a valuable reporthighlighting the importance of water for agriculturalproduction and local employment. Two groups areworking with researchers on water auditing toimprove irrigation management. They regularlyorganise training courses to disseminate informationto their members on water efficiency practices andthe water resource status in their catchment. Theyare all actively engaged in the Environment AgencyCAMS process in their respective catchments.

The group in Lincolnshire has gone one stepfurther than the rest by taking on a local watermanagement role. They have one abstractionlicence for their 19 members who then distributethe water among themselves according to anagreed formula with technical and administrativesupport from the local Internal Drainage Board.

Spreading the benefits

Forming new WAGs could spread these benefitsacross the region. But setting them up is not easy – it is not like building a new reservoir or installing newirrigation equipment. Both technical and socialconditions must be right. Groups are most likely toform in critical water stressed areas in which farmershave heightened concerns about their future watersupplies. An assessment of local water resource andhydro-social factors has identified the catchments inwhich new groups are most likely to succeed.

Where new WAGs are most likely to form

Figure 1 shows that in North Essex over 30% ofthe total volume licensed for spray irrigation lieswithin areas defined as being over-abstracted.Similarly, parts of the East Suffolk and Cam andEly Ouse CAMS catchments are also identifiedas having a significant proportion (approx 20%)of licensed irrigation in over-abstracted areas.From a regulatory perspective, it is thesecatchments where changes in the nature ofirrigation abstraction are considered a priority.

Working together

Without some immediate level of urgency it isunlikely that agri-businesses will form waterabstractors groups of their own accord. So there isa case for providing support to farmers to act as acatalyst for group formation. An example of thiskind of support is the formation of the WAG on theRiver Till in Northumberland.

The external catalyst would help to bring peopletogether and facilitate the general development ofthe group over an initial set-up period. Inputs wouldinclude advice and training on group managementand administration as well as water matters. Newgroups would also benefit from the knowledge andexperience of the well established groups and sothey would be encouraged to work as mentors.

Initially one group would be set up as a pilot to testthis approach. Once the process is establishedmore groups would then be set up using theexperience gained from the pilot.

Although several groups already exist in theEastern region they are all at different stages ofdevelopment. Some have grown into very usefulcommunication vehicles for change anddevelopment while others are still in an embryonicphase. They will need support in different ways ifthey are to develop further. Most would benefitfrom advice and training in group managementand administration as well as in watermanagement issues.

The existing groups will also need support if theyare to engage with new and embryonic groups toprovide advice in a mentoring role.

Evidence says WAGs are effective

Six WAGs are already operating successfully in the UK – four in East Anglia, one inLincoln, and another on the River Till in Northumberland. Most formed because ofsignificant threats of water shortages for irrigation in order to lobby the EnvironmentAgency and other stakeholders about the importance of irrigation – something thatindividuals alone cannot easily do.

Vision – To increase water security by improving communications and dialogue betweenabstractors, the regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.

Action – Support the formation of new Water Abstractors Groups in water stressedcatchments and help existing groups improve their water management skills.

Form new Water Abstractors Groups

Working together

Support existing groups

31%

20%

17%

8%

6%

6%

4%

4%

2%

1%

Figure 1 Proportion (%) of the volume licensed for spray irrigation located within over-abstracted catchments

North Essex

East Suffolk

Cam and Ely Ouse

Broadland Rivers

North West Norfolk

Welland

North Norfolk

Grimsby and Ancholme

Witham

Louth

South Essex

Nene

Upper and Bedford Ouse

Old Bedford incl. Middle Level

Identifying irrigation abstraction ‘hotspots’

By comparing the location and volumes of wateractually abstracted in a recent dry year (2003)against local resource availability, the 'hotspots'across the region where over-abstraction for irrigationis occurring can be identified. The most importantirrigation over-abstraction 'hotspots' are within theEast Suffolk CAMS catchment and the Lower RiverWissey water resource management unit (WRMU 13)in the Cam and Ely Ouse CAMS catchment.

Why not leave it to agri-business?If water abstractors groups are so important for agri-business then whynot leave it to the farmers to organise themselves. Most existing groupsformed this way so why not let others follow a similar pathway.

The problem with this is that it took a water crisis to get existinggroups started and waiting for the next crisis may not only be too latefor many businesses it is also not a good way of planning the future ofso many livelihoods.

Why not leave it to agri-business?If water abstractors groups are so important for agri-business then whynot leave it to the farmers to organise themselves. Most existing groupsformed this way so why not let others follow a similar pathway.

The problem with this is that it took a water crisis to get existinggroups started and waiting for the next crisis may not only be too latefor many businesses it is also not a good way of planning the future ofso many livelihoods.

Forming Water Abstractors Groups (WAGs) can be one of the mosteffective ways of sustaining and improving irrigated agriculture –this is based on evidence from the UK and many other countries.WAGs can bring farmers together to defend their right to irrigate,build a communication channel between themselves and theregulator, foster a commitment among members to use waterefficiently, and provide a strong voice to influence future water policy.

Forming Water Abstractors Groups (WAGs) can be one of the mosteffective ways of sustaining and improving irrigated agriculture –this is based on evidence from the UK and many other countries.WAGs can bring farmers together to defend their right to irrigate,build a communication channel between themselves and theregulator, foster a commitment among members to use waterefficiently, and provide a strong voice to influence future water policy.

Improving dialogue

Most WAGs have now established good channels ofcommunication with the Environment Agency todiscuss how best to use limited water resources intheir catchment and how to deal with supply issuesduring times of drought. The Environment Agency isable to ‘talk’ to groups rather than lots of disparateindividuals. In one case this was so effective that afarmer described the 2006 drought as not a crisis but more of a problem to be dealt with throughnegotiation with the Environment Agency.

Another group produced a valuable reporthighlighting the importance of water for agriculturalproduction and local employment. Two groups areworking with researchers on water auditing toimprove irrigation management. They regularlyorganise training courses to disseminate informationto their members on water efficiency practices andthe water resource status in their catchment. Theyare all actively engaged in the Environment AgencyCAMS process in their respective catchments.

The group in Lincolnshire has gone one stepfurther than the rest by taking on a local watermanagement role. They have one abstractionlicence for their 19 members who then distributethe water among themselves according to anagreed formula with technical and administrativesupport from the local Internal Drainage Board.

Spreading the benefits

Forming new WAGs could spread these benefitsacross the region. But setting them up is not easy – it is not like building a new reservoir or installing newirrigation equipment. Both technical and socialconditions must be right. Groups are most likely toform in critical water stressed areas in which farmershave heightened concerns about their future watersupplies. An assessment of local water resource andhydro-social factors has identified the catchments inwhich new groups are most likely to succeed.

Where new WAGs are most likely to form

Figure 1 shows that in North Essex over 30% ofthe total volume licensed for spray irrigation lieswithin areas defined as being over-abstracted.Similarly, parts of the East Suffolk and Cam andEly Ouse CAMS catchments are also identifiedas having a significant proportion (approx 20%)of licensed irrigation in over-abstracted areas.From a regulatory perspective, it is thesecatchments where changes in the nature ofirrigation abstraction are considered a priority.

Working together

Without some immediate level of urgency it isunlikely that agri-businesses will form waterabstractors groups of their own accord. So there isa case for providing support to farmers to act as acatalyst for group formation. An example of thiskind of support is the formation of the WAG on theRiver Till in Northumberland.

The external catalyst would help to bring peopletogether and facilitate the general development ofthe group over an initial set-up period. Inputs wouldinclude advice and training on group managementand administration as well as water matters. Newgroups would also benefit from the knowledge andexperience of the well established groups and sothey would be encouraged to work as mentors.

Initially one group would be set up as a pilot to testthis approach. Once the process is establishedmore groups would then be set up using theexperience gained from the pilot.

Although several groups already exist in theEastern region they are all at different stages ofdevelopment. Some have grown into very usefulcommunication vehicles for change anddevelopment while others are still in an embryonicphase. They will need support in different ways ifthey are to develop further. Most would benefitfrom advice and training in group managementand administration as well as in watermanagement issues.

The existing groups will also need support if theyare to engage with new and embryonic groups toprovide advice in a mentoring role.

Evidence says WAGs are effective

Six WAGs are already operating successfully in the UK – four in East Anglia, one inLincoln, and another on the River Till in Northumberland. Most formed because ofsignificant threats of water shortages for irrigation in order to lobby the EnvironmentAgency and other stakeholders about the importance of irrigation – something thatindividuals alone cannot easily do.

Vision – To increase water security by improving communications and dialogue betweenabstractors, the regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.

Action – Support the formation of new Water Abstractors Groups in water stressedcatchments and help existing groups improve their water management skills.

Form new Water Abstractors Groups

Working together

Support existing groups

31%

20%

17%

8%

6%

6%

4%

4%

2%

1%

Figure 1 Proportion (%) of the volume licensed for spray irrigation located within over-abstracted catchments

North Essex

East Suffolk

Cam and Ely Ouse

Broadland Rivers

North West Norfolk

Welland

North Norfolk

Grimsby and Ancholme

Witham

Louth

South Essex

Nene

Upper and Bedford Ouse

Old Bedford incl. Middle Level

Identifying irrigation abstraction ‘hotspots’

By comparing the location and volumes of wateractually abstracted in a recent dry year (2003)against local resource availability, the 'hotspots'across the region where over-abstraction for irrigationis occurring can be identified. The most importantirrigation over-abstraction 'hotspots' are within theEast Suffolk CAMS catchment and the Lower RiverWissey water resource management unit (WRMU 13)in the Cam and Ely Ouse CAMS catchment.

Why not leave it to agri-business?If water abstractors groups are so important for agri-business then whynot leave it to the farmers to organise themselves. Most existing groupsformed this way so why not let others follow a similar pathway.

The problem with this is that it took a water crisis to get existinggroups started and waiting for the next crisis may not only be too latefor many businesses it is also not a good way of planning the future ofso many livelihoods.

Why not leave it to agri-business?If water abstractors groups are so important for agri-business then whynot leave it to the farmers to organise themselves. Most existing groupsformed this way so why not let others follow a similar pathway.

The problem with this is that it took a water crisis to get existinggroups started and waiting for the next crisis may not only be too latefor many businesses it is also not a good way of planning the future ofso many livelihoods.

Forming Water Abstractors Groups (WAGs) can be one of the mosteffective ways of sustaining and improving irrigated agriculture –this is based on evidence from the UK and many other countries.WAGs can bring farmers together to defend their right to irrigate,build a communication channel between themselves and theregulator, foster a commitment among members to use waterefficiently, and provide a strong voice to influence future water policy.

Forming Water Abstractors Groups (WAGs) can be one of the mosteffective ways of sustaining and improving irrigated agriculture –this is based on evidence from the UK and many other countries.WAGs can bring farmers together to defend their right to irrigate,build a communication channel between themselves and theregulator, foster a commitment among members to use waterefficiently, and provide a strong voice to influence future water policy.

Trading, sharing, and conjunctive use

Subject to hydrological and environmentalconstraints, there are substantial opportunities toobtain better value from available water by eithertrading it or sharing it. Trading could be through directsupply, selling licences or renting land. Sharing caninvolve joint licences or less formal arrangements.Both enhance opportunities for conjunctive use ofsurface water, groundwater, and reservoirs, greatlyincreasing reliability. The real opportunities and issuesinvolved in this need to be identified. Support will beneeded to identify opportunities to help group watersharers together and to match buyers to sellers incritical catchments.

Shared reservoirs

There are major advantages in sharing reservoirs andthere are an increasing number of examples of howto do it. The best ways forward need to be identifiedto enable others to learn from local experiences,identify legal, contractual and other issues that maynot be apparent, and investigate funding options.

Benchmarking water use

Experience in Australia and Spain suggests thatirrigation efficiency can be significantly improvedacross specific agri-food sectors (e.g. potatoes,vegetables) by comparing how individual farmsperform with industry best practice.

New/improved technologies

Efficient irrigation requires the adoption of bestirrigation practice using appropriate equipment withaccurate water scheduling. Technologies that aremost promising include:

• Water application systems – optimising irrigationequipment performance such as valve-in-headsprinklers, intelligent rain-guns and booms, andtrickle irrigation

• Improved scheduling using wireless sensors and/or infra-red technology

• Reduced energy consumption by improving pump-system performance

• Understanding the impacts of poor efficiency onirrigation uniformity and crop production (Box 3).

The agri-food industry is ‘between and rock and a hard place’. On one side are theconsumers and the supermarkets using their grower protocols to demand high quality andtimely fruit and vegetables which can only be produced with irrigation. On the other side is the regulatory authority with obligations to protect the natural environmentfrom over-abstraction.

Following the ‘pathway to efficiency’

Making best use of available waterWater resources in Eastern England are under increasing pressureand so it is incumbent on everyone to use water wisely. When thishappens it is a ‘win-win’ situation – domestic users, industry,farming, and the environment all benefit. Most irrigators alreadyaim to do this because saving water can also save money. Butmuch more needs to be done on-farm both to secure irrigationwater supplies and to make better use of what is available. It is allabout getting ‘more crop per drop’.

Vision – To improve the security of on-farm water supplies and ensure it is used efficiently.

Action – Support the development of new technologies to improve irrigation efficiencyand more flexible collaborative approaches that make best use of existing resources.

What about un-used and under-used licences?Even in a very dry year, such as 2003, less than a third of all the waterlicensed for spray irrigation was actually abstracted. Of course, in someareas the water may not have been available when needed, for example,due to low river flows or low aquifer levels, and additional abstractionwould not be welcome in over-abstracted catchments. However, it isbelieved there is significant scope to increase the allocative efficiency ofwater for irrigation through local trading, without causing environmental damage. This already happens in other countries. Water trading can alsohelp to move water from low to high-value production, thus maximisingthe value of water abstracted.

Making more water available

Making best use of available water

Using existing supplies better

Understand your system

Demonstrate ‘best practice’

Efficient irrigation

Optimise performance of your irrigation

network and equipment

Optimise your soil and water management

practices

Box 2 Pathway to efficiencySharing resources

Although water is scarce in many catchments, thereare still opportunities for improving sustainable waterresources. Surprisingly, most of the water allocated isnot actually used even in dry years, due to a widevariety of good reasons. The water is often in thewrong place and/or available at the wrong time.Finding environmentally and financially viable methodsof transferring it to where it is needed, or storing it on-farm for later, would go a long way towardsresolving the present water shortages.

Improving efficiency

Internationally, irrigation has a reputation for lowefficiency. But good irrigators in England use relativelylittle water by international standards. However, thereis always scope for using less water. Making themaximum use of soil moisture and rainfall, knowingprecisely where and when irrigation does have to beapplied, and then applying it accurately and uniformly,are fundamental steps in the pathway to efficiency(see Box 2).

Introducing new technologies and managementpractices developed in more arid countries, togetherwith efforts to bring the average nearer to the best,could provide the keys to success.

Box 3 Modeling the effects of wind on rain-gun uniformity and its impacts on

carrot crop production

Irrigation is not cheap

Outsiders often complain that water for irrigationis too cheap. But agricultural abstractors actuallypay the same or higher charges than watercompanies. Pumping, delivering, and storing water costs money. Typically irrigation costs £0.40-0.50 per m3 to apply, and much more ifreservoirs are needed. And irrigating is hardwork! Sensible farmers don't waste water.

Trading, sharing, and conjunctive use

Subject to hydrological and environmentalconstraints, there are substantial opportunities toobtain better value from available water by eithertrading it or sharing it. Trading could be through directsupply, selling licences or renting land. Sharing caninvolve joint licences or less formal arrangements.Both enhance opportunities for conjunctive use ofsurface water, groundwater, and reservoirs, greatlyincreasing reliability. The real opportunities and issuesinvolved in this need to be identified. Support will beneeded to identify opportunities to help group watersharers together and to match buyers to sellers incritical catchments.

Shared reservoirs

There are major advantages in sharing reservoirs andthere are an increasing number of examples of howto do it. The best ways forward need to be identifiedto enable others to learn from local experiences,identify legal, contractual and other issues that maynot be apparent, and investigate funding options.

Benchmarking water use

Experience in Australia and Spain suggests thatirrigation efficiency can be significantly improvedacross specific agri-food sectors (e.g. potatoes,vegetables) by comparing how individual farmsperform with industry best practice.

New/improved technologies

Efficient irrigation requires the adoption of bestirrigation practice using appropriate equipment withaccurate water scheduling. Technologies that aremost promising include:

• Water application systems – optimising irrigationequipment performance such as valve-in-headsprinklers, intelligent rain-guns and booms, andtrickle irrigation

• Improved scheduling using wireless sensors and/or infra-red technology

• Reduced energy consumption by improving pump-system performance

• Understanding the impacts of poor efficiency onirrigation uniformity and crop production (Box 3).

The agri-food industry is ‘between and rock and a hard place’. On one side are theconsumers and the supermarkets using their grower protocols to demand high quality andtimely fruit and vegetables which can only be produced with irrigation. On the other side is the regulatory authority with obligations to protect the natural environmentfrom over-abstraction.

Following the ‘pathway to efficiency’

Making best use of available waterWater resources in Eastern England are under increasing pressureand so it is incumbent on everyone to use water wisely. When thishappens it is a ‘win-win’ situation – domestic users, industry,farming, and the environment all benefit. Most irrigators alreadyaim to do this because saving water can also save money. Butmuch more needs to be done on-farm both to secure irrigationwater supplies and to make better use of what is available. It is allabout getting ‘more crop per drop’.

Vision – To improve the security of on-farm water supplies and ensure it is used efficiently.

Action – Support the development of new technologies to improve irrigation efficiencyand more flexible collaborative approaches that make best use of existing resources.

What about un-used and under-used licences?Even in a very dry year, such as 2003, less than a third of all the waterlicensed for spray irrigation was actually abstracted. Of course, in someareas the water may not have been available when needed, for example,due to low river flows or low aquifer levels, and additional abstractionwould not be welcome in over-abstracted catchments. However, it isbelieved there is significant scope to increase the allocative efficiency ofwater for irrigation through local trading, without causing environmental damage. This already happens in other countries. Water trading can alsohelp to move water from low to high-value production, thus maximisingthe value of water abstracted.

Making more water available

Making best use of available water

Using existing supplies better

Understand your system

Demonstrate ‘best practice’

Efficient irrigation

Optimise performance of your irrigation

network and equipment

Optimise your soil and water management

practices

Box 2 Pathway to efficiencySharing resources

Although water is scarce in many catchments, thereare still opportunities for improving sustainable waterresources. Surprisingly, most of the water allocated isnot actually used even in dry years, due to a widevariety of good reasons. The water is often in thewrong place and/or available at the wrong time.Finding environmentally and financially viable methodsof transferring it to where it is needed, or storing it on-farm for later, would go a long way towardsresolving the present water shortages.

Improving efficiency

Internationally, irrigation has a reputation for lowefficiency. But good irrigators in England use relativelylittle water by international standards. However, thereis always scope for using less water. Making themaximum use of soil moisture and rainfall, knowingprecisely where and when irrigation does have to beapplied, and then applying it accurately and uniformly,are fundamental steps in the pathway to efficiency(see Box 2).

Introducing new technologies and managementpractices developed in more arid countries, togetherwith efforts to bring the average nearer to the best,could provide the keys to success.

Box 3 Modeling the effects of wind on rain-gun uniformity and its impacts on

carrot crop production

Irrigation is not cheap

Outsiders often complain that water for irrigationis too cheap. But agricultural abstractors actuallypay the same or higher charges than watercompanies. Pumping, delivering, and storing water costs money. Typically irrigation costs £0.40-0.50 per m3 to apply, and much more ifreservoirs are needed. And irrigating is hardwork! Sensible farmers don't waste water.

Drawing on the experience of others

Experience in other countries where irrigation isimportant; such as Australia, Spain, South Africa, theUSA, and Israel; has demonstrated the benefits ofproviding the right information on water managementin a form that can be readily accessed by farmers.They use a range of media to provide farmers withpractical information on optimising irrigationequipment and practices, computer programmes forirrigation scheduling, and handbooks, factsheets andvideos on water efficiency, to enable farmers to learnabout innovative approaches and help them toimplement change on their farms.

They provide training courses to enable farmers togain certificated qualifications that demonstratecompetence in water management that arerecognised in the agri-food industry and beyond.They also introduce water management into thecurriculum of schools and local agriculturalcolleges so that farmers of the future and theyounger generation in general grow up with amuch greater appreciation of the importance ofwater in food production.

Adapting to the UK situation

Of course UK irrigation is not on the scale of Australiaor the USA. But a similar knowledge base thatcaptures both the existing information and provides arange of new media would significantly benefit theenvironmental sustainability and competitiveness ofagri-businesses in the UK.

Such a knowledge base would also provide directbenefits to other stakeholders and the widercommunity with an interest in water andenvironmental issues, including those employed in thefood and farming industry, as well as local schoolsand agricultural colleges in the region.

More training capacity needed

Additional capacity is also needed in the region todeliver training. Most local agricultural colleges donot have instructors with in-depth knowledge andskills in agricultural and environmental watermanagement. Indeed the land-based curricula inmost agricultural colleges provides only very basiccoverage of such issues. Trainer-training will beneeded to build this capacity and to developappropriate course curricula and training materials.

Developing aknowledge baseAgri-businesses need to stay informed and have access to thelatest information at the right time if they are to remaincompetitive. Yet in spite of the high priority given to improvingwater efficiency it is surprising just how little information andsupport is readily available. A knowledge base is needed so thatagri-businesses can access the latest information to improve their skills and understanding of water management.

Experience with the LEAF (Linking Environment andFarming) marque demonstration farms in the UK hasshown that on-farm commercially operateddemonstrations can be very effective for highlightingand transferring new knowledge and experiencebetween farmers and growers.

Demonstration farms for water would promote goodland and water stewardship, help identify alternateinnovative approaches to adapting to water scarcity,and show-case new irrigation technologies andpractices. They would provide focal points forproblem solving, networking, and staff training.

They would also inform and educate a wide range ofother stakeholders about the role and importance ofagriculture in the world of water. For example,educational field visits, guided tours and Open Dayswould provide local agricultural colleges, schools, andthe general public with new opportunities to discoverhow water is an essential component in modern agri-food production, helping to grow high quality fruit andvegetables, whilst protecting the environment.

The food and farming industry needs better access to the latest information on all matters relating towater management. It would benefit from betterinformation on agricultural water management, waterpolicy and licencing, and guidelines on optimisingequipment, implementing best managementpractices, identifying opportunities for water savingand conducting water audits.

Most farmers and growers are familiar with internetservices and so the web and email provide the idealvehicle to deliver high impact media such as fact-sheets, videos, programs, newsletters, and research notes.

An internet based ‘one-stop-shop’ for informationand advice on water management would significantlycontribute to skills development within the agri-foodsector. This would also support the delivery ofprofessional development training.

Professional development training is needed bothfor farmers and trainers. Farmers need tocontinually improve their technical knowledge andskills in water management through trainingworkshops, short courses, technical meetings andconferences. Initiatives to date have been goodbut limited in scope. They need promoting acrossa much wider audience and target catchmentswhere water resources are critically stressed.

Training is also needed for those who provide thetraining. Local agricultural colleges can providefarmer training but they will need to extend theirland-based curricula to include both agriculturaland environmental water management.

Building training capacity

A training needs assessment study is required toassess the demand for training from farmers aswell as the ability of organisations in the region tosupply this training.

Demonstration farms for water Web-based information gateway

Developing a knowledge base

Professional development training

Vision – To continually improve the knowledge and skills of those engaged in watermanagement in the food and farming industry, to ensure that future water supplies are used wisely.

Action – Support the development a knowledge base to serve the irrigated food andfarming industry.

The right information at the right time

Internationally, much information already exists, but it needs tailoring to be of directrelevance to the UK irrigated farming industry. A knowledge base would help to address this current technology transfer gap and support both individuals andbusinesses to gain better access to water-related information.

Tapping into relevant informationMost farmers and growers are now familiar with personal computers andinternet services, so the web provides an ideal vehicle for an information gateway.

Drawing on the experience of others

Experience in other countries where irrigation isimportant; such as Australia, Spain, South Africa, theUSA, and Israel; has demonstrated the benefits ofproviding the right information on water managementin a form that can be readily accessed by farmers.They use a range of media to provide farmers withpractical information on optimising irrigationequipment and practices, computer programmes forirrigation scheduling, and handbooks, factsheets andvideos on water efficiency, to enable farmers to learnabout innovative approaches and help them toimplement change on their farms.

They provide training courses to enable farmers togain certificated qualifications that demonstratecompetence in water management that arerecognised in the agri-food industry and beyond.They also introduce water management into thecurriculum of schools and local agriculturalcolleges so that farmers of the future and theyounger generation in general grow up with amuch greater appreciation of the importance ofwater in food production.

Adapting to the UK situation

Of course UK irrigation is not on the scale of Australiaor the USA. But a similar knowledge base thatcaptures both the existing information and provides arange of new media would significantly benefit theenvironmental sustainability and competitiveness ofagri-businesses in the UK.

Such a knowledge base would also provide directbenefits to other stakeholders and the widercommunity with an interest in water andenvironmental issues, including those employed in thefood and farming industry, as well as local schoolsand agricultural colleges in the region.

More training capacity needed

Additional capacity is also needed in the region todeliver training. Most local agricultural colleges donot have instructors with in-depth knowledge andskills in agricultural and environmental watermanagement. Indeed the land-based curricula inmost agricultural colleges provides only very basiccoverage of such issues. Trainer-training will beneeded to build this capacity and to developappropriate course curricula and training materials.

Developing aknowledge baseAgri-businesses need to stay informed and have access to thelatest information at the right time if they are to remaincompetitive. Yet in spite of the high priority given to improvingwater efficiency it is surprising just how little information andsupport is readily available. A knowledge base is needed so thatagri-businesses can access the latest information to improve their skills and understanding of water management.

Experience with the LEAF (Linking Environment andFarming) marque demonstration farms in the UK hasshown that on-farm commercially operateddemonstrations can be very effective for highlightingand transferring new knowledge and experiencebetween farmers and growers.

Demonstration farms for water would promote goodland and water stewardship, help identify alternateinnovative approaches to adapting to water scarcity,and show-case new irrigation technologies andpractices. They would provide focal points forproblem solving, networking, and staff training.

They would also inform and educate a wide range ofother stakeholders about the role and importance ofagriculture in the world of water. For example,educational field visits, guided tours and Open Dayswould provide local agricultural colleges, schools, andthe general public with new opportunities to discoverhow water is an essential component in modern agri-food production, helping to grow high quality fruit andvegetables, whilst protecting the environment.

The food and farming industry needs better access to the latest information on all matters relating towater management. It would benefit from betterinformation on agricultural water management, waterpolicy and licencing, and guidelines on optimisingequipment, implementing best managementpractices, identifying opportunities for water savingand conducting water audits.

Most farmers and growers are familiar with internetservices and so the web and email provide the idealvehicle to deliver high impact media such as fact-sheets, videos, programs, newsletters, and research notes.

An internet based ‘one-stop-shop’ for informationand advice on water management would significantlycontribute to skills development within the agri-foodsector. This would also support the delivery ofprofessional development training.

Professional development training is needed bothfor farmers and trainers. Farmers need tocontinually improve their technical knowledge andskills in water management through trainingworkshops, short courses, technical meetings andconferences. Initiatives to date have been goodbut limited in scope. They need promoting acrossa much wider audience and target catchmentswhere water resources are critically stressed.

Training is also needed for those who provide thetraining. Local agricultural colleges can providefarmer training but they will need to extend theirland-based curricula to include both agriculturaland environmental water management.

Building training capacity

A training needs assessment study is required toassess the demand for training from farmers aswell as the ability of organisations in the region tosupply this training.

Demonstration farms for water Web-based information gateway

Developing a knowledge base

Professional development training

Vision – To continually improve the knowledge and skills of those engaged in watermanagement in the food and farming industry, to ensure that future water supplies are used wisely.

Action – Support the development a knowledge base to serve the irrigated food andfarming industry.

The right information at the right time

Internationally, much information already exists, but it needs tailoring to be of directrelevance to the UK irrigated farming industry. A knowledge base would help to address this current technology transfer gap and support both individuals andbusinesses to gain better access to water-related information.

Tapping into relevant informationMost farmers and growers are now familiar with personal computers andinternet services, so the web provides an ideal vehicle for an information gateway.

For example, there is a high priority for a study toevaluate the benefits associated with sharedreservoirs. This will be of relevance to agri-businessesand will also provide new information for governmentagencies to guide the implementation of the newRural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

Another example is the development of new WAGs inwater short areas. This needs pilot group studies nowand will be an ongoing project spread over manyyears. The 'roadmap' below summarises the keyactivities outlined in this strategy and establishes the priorities.

Implementingthe strategyThe strategy described in this booklet proposes a rational wayforward to help reduce water wastage and maximise the value of water used in the agri-food industry in Eastern England. It setsout what needs to be done both by individual farm businesses andthe wider agri-food industry. In order to ensure that this strategyis successfully implemented across the region, a ‘roadmap’ forimplementation is needed that identifies priorities and time-scales.

Securing water for the futureWater is likely to remain a critical issue in Eastern England for theforeseeable future and a ‘water champion’ will help to ensure that theagri-food sector continues to receive its fair share of water. Over timethe activities of the Centre could evolve and develop into anAgricultural Water Saving Trust for the region. Indeed it could be amodel for knowledge transfer and information exchange for irrigatedagriculture across the whole country.

Water for agriculture needs a ‘champion’

Agriculture has many champions but it does not have one for water. Most existingorganisations in the agri-food industry are commodity or business focused. Forexample, the levy boards look after cereals, potatoes, sugar beet; and the processingand marketing organisations take care of fruit and vegetables. The CBI, CLA, NFU andothers represent agri-business and land ownership interests. They all recognise theimportance of water but they deal with it in their own way, usually with a specific wateragenda depending on their business sector focus.

Bringing fragmented efforts together

Many of the stakeholders involved in this studyrecognised that all the efforts to reduce waterwastage and maximise the value of water made bythe various organisations, though laudable, aredisconnected. They are at best patchy but at worstthey lead to unnecessary duplication of effort,inefficient use of limited resources, and mostimportantly a fragmented and potentially weak lobbyfor the critical resource on which they all depend.

The stakeholders recognised that in order tosuccessfully implement this water strategy for thebenefit of all those who depend on water, there needsto be a greater degree of collective effort. One widelyendorsed view was the need for a ‘water champion’who would specifically focus all the agricultural wateractivities of the various stakeholder organisations in amore co-ordinated manner and continually encouragethem to drive this water strategy forward – it is after allin their best interests as users.

An Agricultural Water Saving Centre

An Agricultural Water Saving Centre would providethat focus. It would bring stakeholders together andchampion the efficient use of water in agriculture. Thisdoes not necessarily mean setting up a new

organisation. It would initially comprise an individual hosted and supported administratively by an existingstakeholder organisation. Additional staff wouldsubsequently be seconded from other stakeholdersas the needs arise. Developing a Centre slowly andorganically in this way would greatly improve thepotential for integrating the various actions needed toimplement the strategy and for disseminatinginformation on water saving issues to all stakeholders.

The Centre would have a mandate to operateindependently of its host, operating under a panel ofrepresentative stakeholders to oversee and manageits activities.

The Centre would undertake several functions. Itwould act as a catalyst for setting up and supportingthe development of Water Abstractors Groups (WAGs) in selected water stressedcatchments. It would coordinate studies on keyissues such as shared – reservoirs and water trading;harmonise professional development training; and setup and manage a web-based information gatewayand a water benchmarking system. Where additionalresources or technical expertise are needed theCentre would commission others to undertakespecific work packages identified and developed inline with the water strategy.

A ‘roadmap’ for implementation

This strategy provides, for the first time, an integratedand coherent framework to help secure a fair share ofwater for agriculture in Eastern England. It already hasthe tacit support of those stakeholders involved in itspreparation and this has prepared the ground for itswider acceptance at grass roots across the region.

All the activities outlined in this strategy are importantbut some require more urgent attention than others.Some are short-term activities and have either a localor a regional focus while others have much longertime-scales and may require national support.

Taking action

The key to successfully implementing the strategy lies in getting financial support. Core funding will beneeded to establish an Agricultural Water Saving Centre. This could be sought from the stakeholderorganisations that will benefit from the Centre but for various reasons it is unlikely that they will immediatelycome together to do this. Indeed one of the first functions of the Centre will be to work as a catalyst tobring all the parties together. For this reason core funding is best sought from a development organisationwith broad regional interests and whose funding priorities lie in developing and supporting projects thathelp to sustain the rural economy.

The various activities of the Centre will also need funding but this would be sought on a project-by-projectbasis. Funding would come from organisations that have specific interests in the project outcomes. It isanticipated that the Centre will need core funding for a minimum period of three years, after which it isexpected that it will be self-financing.

Making best use of available water

Review the business benefits of shared reservoirs

Benchmarking water use

Identify and evaluate new technologies

Promote water trading and conjunctive use

Devloping a knowledge base

Establish a demonstration farm/s for water

Develop a web–based information gateway

Promote professional development training

Working together

Review the role of WAGs

Establish a new pilot WAG

Provide ongoing support to existing WAGs

Establish other ‘virtual’ WAGs in the region

Develop an Agricultural Water Saving Centre

2008 Timeline 2012

A model for the Agricultural Water Saving CentreAn organisation similar to the one proposed hasbeen working very successfully in theenvironmental water sector for many years – thisis the River Restoration Centre (RRC) hosted atCranfield University. It is a national information andadvisory centre that promotes all aspects of riverrestoration and sustainable river management. It ismanaged by a panel of stakeholders. Thisorganisational experience could prove invaluablefor setting up an Agricultural Water Saving Centre.

For example, there is a high priority for a study toevaluate the benefits associated with sharedreservoirs. This will be of relevance to agri-businessesand will also provide new information for governmentagencies to guide the implementation of the newRural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

Another example is the development of new WAGs inwater short areas. This needs pilot group studies nowand will be an ongoing project spread over manyyears. The 'roadmap' below summarises the keyactivities outlined in this strategy and establishes the priorities.

Implementingthe strategyThe strategy described in this booklet proposes a rational wayforward to help reduce water wastage and maximise the value of water used in the agri-food industry in Eastern England. It setsout what needs to be done both by individual farm businesses andthe wider agri-food industry. In order to ensure that this strategyis successfully implemented across the region, a ‘roadmap’ forimplementation is needed that identifies priorities and time-scales.

Securing water for the futureWater is likely to remain a critical issue in Eastern England for theforeseeable future and a ‘water champion’ will help to ensure that theagri-food sector continues to receive its fair share of water. Over timethe activities of the Centre could evolve and develop into anAgricultural Water Saving Trust for the region. Indeed it could be amodel for knowledge transfer and information exchange for irrigatedagriculture across the whole country.

Water for agriculture needs a ‘champion’

Agriculture has many champions but it does not have one for water. Most existingorganisations in the agri-food industry are commodity or business focused. Forexample, the levy boards look after cereals, potatoes, sugar beet; and the processingand marketing organisations take care of fruit and vegetables. The CBI, CLA, NFU andothers represent agri-business and land ownership interests. They all recognise theimportance of water but they deal with it in their own way, usually with a specific wateragenda depending on their business sector focus.

Bringing fragmented efforts together

Many of the stakeholders involved in this studyrecognised that all the efforts to reduce waterwastage and maximise the value of water made bythe various organisations, though laudable, aredisconnected. They are at best patchy but at worstthey lead to unnecessary duplication of effort,inefficient use of limited resources, and mostimportantly a fragmented and potentially weak lobbyfor the critical resource on which they all depend.

The stakeholders recognised that in order tosuccessfully implement this water strategy for thebenefit of all those who depend on water, there needsto be a greater degree of collective effort. One widelyendorsed view was the need for a ‘water champion’who would specifically focus all the agricultural wateractivities of the various stakeholder organisations in amore co-ordinated manner and continually encouragethem to drive this water strategy forward – it is after allin their best interests as users.

An Agricultural Water Saving Centre

An Agricultural Water Saving Centre would providethat focus. It would bring stakeholders together andchampion the efficient use of water in agriculture. Thisdoes not necessarily mean setting up a new

organisation. It would initially comprise an individual hosted and supported administratively by an existingstakeholder organisation. Additional staff wouldsubsequently be seconded from other stakeholdersas the needs arise. Developing a Centre slowly andorganically in this way would greatly improve thepotential for integrating the various actions needed toimplement the strategy and for disseminatinginformation on water saving issues to all stakeholders.

The Centre would have a mandate to operateindependently of its host, operating under a panel ofrepresentative stakeholders to oversee and manageits activities.

The Centre would undertake several functions. Itwould act as a catalyst for setting up and supportingthe development of Water Abstractors Groups (WAGs) in selected water stressedcatchments. It would coordinate studies on keyissues such as shared – reservoirs and water trading;harmonise professional development training; and setup and manage a web-based information gatewayand a water benchmarking system. Where additionalresources or technical expertise are needed theCentre would commission others to undertakespecific work packages identified and developed inline with the water strategy.

A ‘roadmap’ for implementation

This strategy provides, for the first time, an integratedand coherent framework to help secure a fair share ofwater for agriculture in Eastern England. It already hasthe tacit support of those stakeholders involved in itspreparation and this has prepared the ground for itswider acceptance at grass roots across the region.

All the activities outlined in this strategy are importantbut some require more urgent attention than others.Some are short-term activities and have either a localor a regional focus while others have much longertime-scales and may require national support.

Taking action

The key to successfully implementing the strategy lies in getting financial support. Core funding will beneeded to establish an Agricultural Water Saving Centre. This could be sought from the stakeholderorganisations that will benefit from the Centre but for various reasons it is unlikely that they will immediatelycome together to do this. Indeed one of the first functions of the Centre will be to work as a catalyst tobring all the parties together. For this reason core funding is best sought from a development organisationwith broad regional interests and whose funding priorities lie in developing and supporting projects thathelp to sustain the rural economy.

The various activities of the Centre will also need funding but this would be sought on a project-by-projectbasis. Funding would come from organisations that have specific interests in the project outcomes. It isanticipated that the Centre will need core funding for a minimum period of three years, after which it isexpected that it will be self-financing.

Making best use of available water

Review the business benefits of shared reservoirs

Benchmarking water use

Identify and evaluate new technologies

Promote water trading and conjunctive use

Devloping a knowledge base

Establish a demonstration farm/s for water

Develop a web–based information gateway

Promote professional development training

Working together

Review the role of WAGs

Establish a new pilot WAG

Provide ongoing support to existing WAGs

Establish other ‘virtual’ WAGs in the region

Develop an Agricultural Water Saving Centre

2008 Timeline 2012

A model for the Agricultural Water Saving CentreAn organisation similar to the one proposed hasbeen working very successfully in theenvironmental water sector for many years – thisis the River Restoration Centre (RRC) hosted atCranfield University. It is a national information andadvisory centre that promotes all aspects of riverrestoration and sustainable river management. It ismanaged by a panel of stakeholders. Thisorganisational experience could prove invaluablefor setting up an Agricultural Water Saving Centre.

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A fair share of water foragricultureA strategyfor irrigationin EasternEngland

East of England Development Agency The Business CentreStation Road, HistonCambs CB4 9LQT: 01223 713900www.eeda.org.uk

Environment AgencyKingfisher HouseGoldhay WayOrton GoldhayPeterborough PE2 5ZRT: 0870 850 6506www.environment-agency.gov.uk

National Farmers Union Agriculture HouseWillie Snaith RoadNewmarketCambs CB8 7SNT: 01638 672106www.nfuonline.com

UK Irrigation Associationc/o The Old VicarageMain StreetTorkseyLincoln LN1 2EET: 01427 717627www.ukia.org

This publication forms part of a project funded by the East of England Development Agency, the European Social Fund,and the Environment Agency to develop a water strategy for agri-business in Eastern England. The project wasimplemented by Cranfield University in association with the National Farmers Union and RTCS Ltd.

The authors of this publication – Jerry Knox, Keith Weatherhead, and Juan Rodriguez-Diaz (Cranfield University) andMelvyn Kay (RTCS Ltd) wish to make it clear that the content of this publication and the views expressed are those of theauthors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the organisations listed above.

The authors also wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by numerous stakeholders to the development ofthis strategy. This includes contributions to the preliminary studies on Water Abstractor Groups and the impact of the 2006drought on the region’s agriculture, and to the stakeholder workshops. The field maps on page 7 were provided by Tim Lacey.

Front cover: Distribution of abstraction licences for spray irrigation in EA Anglian Region in 2006. Data copyright Environment Agency 2007.

A strategy to ensure that agriculturereceives a fair share of waterresources and uses it in asustainable and efficient manner

For more information please contact:

Jerry KnoxCentre for Water ScienceCranfield UniversityCranfieldBedfordshire MK43 0AL

T: 01234 750111 ext 2756E: j.knox@cranfield.ac.ukW: www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/staff/knoxj.htm

Melvyn KayUK Irrigation Associationc/o The Old VicarageMain Street, TorkseyLincoln LN1 2EE

T: 01427 717627E: m.kay@ukia.orgW: www.ukia.org

Paul Hammett National Farmers UnionAgriculture HouseWillie Snaith RoadNewmarket, Cambs CB8 7SN

T: 01638 672106E: paul.hammett@nfu.org.ukW: www.nfuonline.com

This publication can also be downloaded from the UKIAwebsite – www.ukia.org