Many changes are afoot for abstractors as Defra and the Environment Agency seek ways to improve future water resources management for all. Defra has published a plan to reform water regulation by addressing unsustainable abstraction and modernising the abstraction regime. New regulations are now in force which brings exempt abstractions, such as drip irrigation, into the licencing system. And building on Defra’s catchment-based approach (CaBA) introduced in 2011, Defra wants to build a stronger catchment focus which brings together the Environment Agency, abstractors, and catchment groups to take more responsibility for managing catchments and developing local water management solutions.

What do all these changes mean for irrigators? Who will manage our catchments? How can abstractors engage with this process? Will this mean more or less water for food production?

Come and engage with - the Environment Agency’s Head of Water Resources, and leading figures in irrigated farming to discuss the options available. Plus new ways of looking at irrigation equipment and on farm water management to make best use of your limited water resources.

Drought is never far from mind and so our special guest this year is Dr Wiehann Steyn from Hortgro, South Africa.

South Africa’s Western Cape is facing a major drought—the worst in living memory. In Cape Town the talk is about ‘day zero’ when the taps are forecast to run dry. South Africa supplies 15% of UK’s fresh fruit, and Western Cape is a major supplier of apples, stone fruit, and grapes. Dr Steyn, who works closely with farmers in the region, will provide us with a first-hand account of how farmers are coping and the implications for food security in both South Africa and the UK. Some lessons here for us all?

This conference is for farmers and growers who irrigate, consultants, suppliers, researchers, government agencies, environmental groups, local authorities, supermarkets and suppliers, all who want to make sure that agriculture gets a fair share of UK water resources.

Speakers include:

Chairman: James Dodds Envireau Water

Paul Hickey Head of water resources Environment Agency Paul will present an overview of the changes taking place in water management, plans for the future, and the potential impacts for abstractors

Paul Hammett NFU Water adviser chairman Water for Food Group (WfFG) Paul brings a broad abstractor and a food and drink industry perspective to the table to review how these changes may impact future water for food

An opportunity here to put your questions to Paul Hickey and Paul Hammett

Anthony Hopkins Wroot Water and Chair UKIA Anthony is an irrigating farmer/system designer/equipment supplier. He will discuss the changing nature of equipment and automation in the continuing search for making best use of available water resources for irrigation

John Adlam Dove Associates and WfFG member John is concerned about water for nurseries – small in area and water needs, but big in investment per hectare. He reminds us that 24 hours without water can bankrupt a nursery business. He brings his unique knowledge and experience to bear on the changes

Ashley Wensak Newforest Fruit Co Ltd to discuss farming/irrigation experiences and how the future is seen in the light of the changes

Guest speaker Dr Wiehann Steyn HORTGRO Stellenbosch

Wiehann will describe the disasterous drought in Western Cape in S Africa where Cape Town is predicted to run out of water by 18 March. He is in touch with farmers and will discuss how they are coping with drought and the implications for S Africa and UK food security - UK imports 15% of fresh fruit from this region

Matthew Ellison OTT Hydrometry Ltd Matthew says that cosmic ray soil moisture monitoring (COSMOS) is a ‘game changer’ for managing crop water requirements. He will review the pros and cons of this innovative technology and other water and soil monitoring devices

Paul Bradford Consultant Our final speaker Paul, will describe the Suffolk approach to making best use of available water resources. He is consultant to the Holistic Water Management Project which is developing new collaborative ways of delivering flood alleviation, more reliable water resources for all users, including irrigation, and improving water-based ecosystems and water quality.

Click here to download conference brochure in pdf