Growers demand water policy overhaul

Fresh produce growers and Morrisons will urge parliamentarians to reform water policy as drought increases risks to British food production and farm investment.

The sector will set out four priorities at a House of Lords event on 17 November, hosted by former NFU president Minette Batters. The proposals follow a year-long project involving experts from Harper Adams University.

Storage priority

More than two-thirds of England remains in drought following prolonged lack of rain during the summer. Growers say clearer regulation is needed to give businesses confidence to invest in long-term resilience.

The recommendations call for food production to be placed at the centre of water policy. Agricultural water storage should also be treated as strategic infrastructure, supported by planning and funding measures.

“Water is no longer simply an environmental issue. It is a food security issue, an economic issue and an investment issue,” said Alex Hardie, at Harper Adams University’s School of Sustainable Food & Farming.

Horticultural leaders want the government to consider water quality and availability together – alongside the need for increased investment in research and knowledge exchange.

Jon Hammond, director of Hammond Produce, said: “You cannot talk about food security without talking about water security.”

The partners say regulatory certainty would help growers invest while supporting environmental objectives and maintaining domestic production.