Renewed call for strategy to deal with flooding on productive farmland

As more heavy rain is forecast this week and river levels still to peak in some areas, the NFU said a comprehensive water management strategy was urgently needed to improve farm flood resilience, including adequate investment, so Britain’s farmers and growers can continue producing the nation’s food.

In a double whammy, many farmers are now seeing next year’s crops rotting underwater after a devastatingly wet 2023 harvest which was the “most expensive crop ever grown” due to inflation and saw yields tumble.

‘Desperate stories’ from around the country

Ahead of visiting farms in the Midlands and the North, NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw said: “We are seeing desperate scenes across the country with many areas experiencing devastating flooding. Sadly, lives have been lost and our thoughts are with those families affected.

“The farming community too has been impacted with hundreds of acres of productive farmland under water and land that’s now inaccessible. We’re hearing desperate stories from many of our members who are struggling to get crops out of the ground from this season or are still to plant autumn crops for next year. Those crops that are in the ground are likely to rot meaning the output and profitability of next year’s harvest is already seriously compromised, building on an unprecedented year in terms of weather and cost. This really is a perfect storm with farmers and growers now facing further financial burdens at a time when on-farm costs are already running high and government support payments are being phased out.

“Despite what we’ve heard from government in recent times about the importance of UK food security, this just isn’t being reflected in policies on how the nation’s food production is valued, and how water infrastructure is managed.

“Farming is on the front line of climate change and the sector is experiencing volatility and severe weather events more often. It’s why we absolutely need a long-term plan to improve how we manage water in times of flood and drought, as we regularly experience both on an annual basis, and both severely impact our ability to produce food.

“A comprehensive water management strategy should set out how we can collaborate better with government, as well as local authorities, water companies and Environment Agency; one that allows farmers and growers to be part of the solution and take on-farm action. A strategy that prioritises food security recognising that domestic food production is part of the critical national infrastructure.

“Central to this will be significant investment with ambitious upgrades of ageing rural flood defences, drainage and waterways as well as regular maintenance. We also need to look at where farming protects adjacent urban areas by absorbing and holding flood water at personal cost to the farms themselves. These businesses must be reimbursed for the public goods being provided on the back of government decisions made.

“A serious commitment by government and regulatory authorities to plan, upgrade and invest in the nation’s water management and infrastructure will have benefits for everyone, including our farmers and growers, so they are able to continue producing climate-friendly sustainable food.”

Flood advice to help mitigate damage and potentially save lives includes:

• Work out a farm flood plan so that if the worst does happen everybody knows what action to take and who is responsible for what
• Identify higher ground that livestock can be moved to if water levels rise. If you’re renting land in a low-lying area, it’s worth speaking with neighbouring landowners to obtain permission to move livestock to their higher ground
• Sign up for Environment Agency flood alerts at the uk website
• Safely store fuels and chemicals that could pollute water courses in the event of flooding
• Plan an evacuation route so that you, your family and employees stay safe. Keep contact details to hand of people who could help you move livestock in an emergency
  
  Continue reading the list HERE.

When it comes to mitigating the consequences of flooding on farms, NFU Mutual advises:

• Make safety your priority. Keep your family and pets away from the flood water and move to another part of the property
• Do not put your life or the lives of others at risk attempted to rescue stranded animals. Contact the emergency services or the RPSCA on 0300 1234999 for help
• Use What3Words to communicate an accurate location quickly
• Ensure you can be contacted in an emergency, such as keeping your phone charged up and stay in contact with those around you
  
  Continue reading the list HERE.