Irrigation users advised to unite
Irrigation users advised to unite
IRRIGATION users must work together to cope with sweeping legislative and management changes in English and Welsh water abstraction, delegates were told at the UK Irrigation Associations spring conference in Kent last week.
"A united voice is vital during this time of change and uncertainty," said the associations Jerry Knox. "Forming abstraction groups is the best way for growers to cope with the effects of the proposed Water Bill and to influence the Environment Agencys Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy."
East Anglia already has five abstraction groups, including the 66-strong east Suffolk group, funded by a members levy of £1/1000cu m licensed abstraction. It has commissioned a report defending its abstraction rights for submission to the EA.
Groups were the best way for growers to put their case to supermarkets and consumers, added the NFUs Paul Hammett. *