CLA backs industry calls to relax farming rules in drought

Blackstone Edge Reservoir in July

The CLA has supported industry calls to relax farming regulations during drought to help mitigate the impact of the ongoing heatwave.

CLA President Tim Breitmeyer discussed the impacts of the hot and dry weather with Environment Secretary Michael Gove at an agricultural drought summit today (1 August).

Mr Breitmeyer joined other farming leaders and stakeholders at a specially convened roundtable with Mr Gove, Defra, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

He said: “Our members are very concerned by the current extreme weather conditions which are having serious consequences across most farming sectors and affecting food production.

“It is vital to relax the rules and allow farmers and land managers flexibility to abstract water without penalties and to consider early payments from the RPA to assist with cash-flow issues during this heatwave.

“One solution to ease this drought situation which could potentially increase year-on-year due to climate change, is to focus on long-term water management. We need investment now to secure future water supplies so that the impact of such extreme weather does not have a detrimental effect on food production and the environment over the next 50 years and more.”

CLA Director North Dorothy Fairburn said: “The recent heat and low rainfall have had a range of impacts on farm businesses and rural areas, as well as on fish and other wildlife. A shortage of grass growth for cattle and sheep, and reduced hay and silage which will put pressure on winter feed stocks.”

“In addition, cereal crops are drying off, leading to reduced yields that are also of poorer quality. It will take at least 12 months to get over the impacts of the extreme weather conditions experienced over the last few months.”