With Storm Babet leaving vast areas of farmland underwater, the NFU has called for the government to address the importance of UK food security by taking greater steps on water management.

With further heavy rain forecast this week and river levels still to peak in some areas, the NFU said that a comprehensive water management strategy is urgently needed to improve flood resilience, including adequate investment. It adds that many farmers are now seeing next year’s crops rotting underwater after an exceptionally wet 2023 harvest which was the most expensive crop ever grown due to inflation and which saw yields tumble.

Tom Bradshaw, NFU deputy president, 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.”

Bradshaw argues that despite government statements about the importance of UK food security, sufficient policies have not been implemented to ensure food production is valued and water infrastructure managed.

He added: “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.

“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.”

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