It comes after farmers were advised to take steps to conserve water and to secure sufficient supplies for their crops this summer.
Following the June meeting of the National Drought Group, which includes the NFU, the EA (Environment Agency) moved to highlight concerns over water shortages later in the summer, particularly in East Anglia, unless there is 鈥渟ignificant鈥� rainfall.
Some regions, including the North West and Yorkshire, are already in drought, with others at risk.
鈥�What we need now is for the Environment Agency to work with us and local farmers on flexible abstraction options.鈥�
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos
Restrictions on water abstraction possible
Spray irrigation is facing increasing pressure as ongoing arid conditions reduce river and groundwater levels.聽
While the current risk is 'moderate', without further rainfall, the EA predicts that some farmers may face restrictions on water abstraction that could affect their ability to irrigate crops.
It is asking farmers to consider how they can conserve water supplies, especially those taking from farm reservoirs. Steps include reducing leakage of water from their equipment, closely monitoring crop need to conserve water, and considering the time of day when they irrigate.
Flexible abstraction options
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said the warning underlined the need for investment in water infrastructure in a changing climate.
She added: "Water is a precious resource and vital for crop production and livestock. We encourage all farmers to use water wisely, but there needs to be the water there in the first place to deliver the food we rely on. That鈥檚 why we have been calling for greater investment in water infrastructure to adapt to these extremes in weather conditions.
"What we need now is for the Environment Agency to work with us and local farmers on flexible abstraction options, where appropriate, to enable rapid access to water when summer storms bring high flows, along with promoting sensible actions on farm, in order to reduce water use."
Deputy Director for Water Resources at the Environment Agency, Richard Thompson, said extra support was being provided to help farmers manage supply and river monitoring had been increased.
鈥淥ur officers are working with farmers to ensure they have access to water whilst also protecting the environment,鈥� he added.
Last week, the agency published a Water Resources National Framework that set out how climate change and population growth meant the UK would face a daily water shortfall of 5bn litres by 2055, without sustained action.
Recommendations for the agriculture sector included smart technologies like soil moisture sensors, efficient irrigation systems, and collaboration through Water Abstractor Groups to boost long-term resilience
The EA published an on 24 June, along with further support for farmers.聽
