Agriculture: Reservoirs
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps is she taking to support the process of building on-farm irrigation reservoirs.
Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Government is taking action both to improve farmers’ access to water during drought conditions and to support the development of new on-farm irrigation reservoirs. As part of the drought support package, we reminded farmers that they can apply to the Environment Agency (EA) for temporary abstraction flexibilities, known as Local Enforcement Positions, where environmental impacts can be appropriately managed.
We are also running a further round of the Water Management Grant, with up to £15 million available to help farmers build on-farm reservoirs, enabling them to store water during wetter periods for use in future dry weather. The EA has supported Water Resources East to publish updated Farm Reservoir Guidance to help farmers develop water storage projects. In addition, we are making it easier to build reservoirs by updating planning guidance, strengthening support for agricultural infrastructure through the National Planning Policy Framework, and working with industry representatives to review whether further planning reforms are needed.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →