Agriculture: Sustainable Business – Sustainable Environment?

Irrigation is a small but important part of UK agriculture, accounting for about 150 000 ha of land and 160 000 Ml of water in a 'dry'year. By the year 2021, the irrigated area is predicted to increase by 14% and the volume applied by 50%. Irrigation is of significant economic importance to (a) farmers, (b) growers, (c) the food industry – improving crop yields, quality, consistency and reliability.
The environmental impacts of irrigation on river flows and wetland biodiversity are now receiving more attention. Irrigators are given advice on environmental impacts, voluntary agreements are secured between groups of irrigators and the Environment Agency, and on-farm reservoirs are constructed to reduce summer abstraction and provide more secure and flexible supplies. Better long-term planning and short-term management are essential.