Environmental and farming groups call for support as dry weather takes hold

Environmental and farming groups have joined forces to call for the government to provide more support as dry weather continues.

Some farms have seen as little as 20ml of rain over March and April, which is putting crops under strain and limiting grass growth for livestock.

The dry weather is expected to continue putting British food production and the natural environment under pressure, the groups said.

The organisations included the NFU, the RSPB, the National Trust, the Green Alliance, the Nature Friendly Farming Network and the Woodland Trust.

The ongoing dry weather underlines the importance of government investment in a resilient, sustainable farming sector,” said Tom Bradshaw, NFU president. “Water is absolutely vital to producing the food our country needs, and as we face increasing global uncertainty, our nation’s food security has never been more important.

“The impacts of climate change are already being felt by farmers and growers, many of whom were underwater only a few months ago and now find their soil dried out,” Bradshaw added.

Environment schemes

UK governments have continually focused on the Environmental Land Management schemes as a key way to both build drought resilience and mitigate flood risks, however the future funding for ELM schemes is uncertain.

The NFU and environmental groups have allied to call on the Chancellor to protect the farming budget in the upcoming spending review, and ensure continued investment in environmental protections and a more resilient and sustainable farming sector.

The groups said this would enable investment in the health of our soils, such as through soil cultivation combined with the use of cover crops, buffering at field margins and tree planting, which would help combat dry weather by locking moisture into soils and retaining water over longer periods.

“It’s so important we build resilience into the sector,” said Bradshaw. “A key tool to doing that is the farming budget.

“This budget delivers so many government priorities – both in terms of food security and the environment, as well as offering value for money – which is why we are calling on the Chancellor to protect it.”