CLA comments on Government's 'Plan for Water'

THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has commented on the Government's newly published:- 'Plan for Water.'  The White Paper was published on:- 4 April 2023, and looks at what action will be required to be taken across Government, our economy, and the whole country to make the UK's 'water clean and plentiful.'

In reaction to this, the CLA President Mark Tufnell, said:- "Within a generation, farmers face the risk of severe water shortages. It's encouraging, therefore, that Government has listened to our members and outlined plans to align reservoir grants to planning and license approvals, which will build much-needed resilience for our food supplies. The creation of a water restoration fund will also be welcomed, for instilling accountability and allowing for more funding. However, many of the initiatives outlined by Government have been repackaged from previous announcements, at a time when farmers are struggling with new weather extremes. The Country Land and Business Association has outlined a forward looking position on water quality with our 2030 vision, and we will continue to collaborate closely with Government to identify and deliver the bold action required."

CLA President Mark Tufnell then went on to commented on the Government's 'Plan for Water,' saying:- "Within a generation, farmers face the risk of severe water shortages. It's encouraging, therefore, that Government has listened to our members and outlined plans to align reservoir grants to planning and license approvals, which will build much-needed resilience for our food supplies. The creation of a water restoration fund will also be welcomed, for instilling accountability and allowing for more funding. However, many of the initiatives outlined by Government have been repackaged from previous announcements, at a time when farmers are struggling with new weather extremes. The Country Land and Business Association has outlined a forward looking position on water quality with our 2030 vision, and we will continue to collaborate closely with Government to identify and deliver the bold action required."

It is also worth adding that Defra also announced on 4 April that farmers will benefit from more funding as part of a new integrated plan to improve water quality for people, businesses and nature. The measures see more funding for farmers to improve their slurry storage, with nearly £34 million available through the 1st round of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant; more than double the original budget following very high demand from farmers.

Mark Tufnell added:- "We also outlined the 2nd round of the 'Water Management Grant,' which will open for applications in Mid-April. It will provide £10 million in funding to help farmers manage their water use through more efficient irrigation and securing water supplies through the construction of on farm reservoirs. The 'Integrated Plan for Water' covers both the quality of the water environment; how clean it is; and how much water we have. It will transform the whole water system; tackling every source of pollution, including from:- storm overflows, agriculture, plastics, road run off, chemicals and pesticides. Your readers can find out more by reading our blog posts about the Slurry Infrastructure Grant and Water Management Grant, on our website. Defra announced on 4 April that farmers will benefit from more funding as part of a new integrated plan to improve water quality for people, businesses and nature. The measures see more funding for farmers to improve their slurry storage, with nearly £34 million available through the 1st round of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant; more than double the original budget following very high demand from farmers. We also outlined the 2nd round of the Water Management Grant, which will open for applications in Mid April. It will provide £10 million in funding to help farmers manage their water use through more efficient irrigation and securing water supplies through the construction of on-farm reservoirs. The 'Integrated Plan for Water' covers both the quality of the water environment; how clean it is; and how much water we have. It will transform the whole water system; tackling every source of pollution, including from:- storm overflows, agriculture, plastics, road run off, chemicals and pesticides."

Flooded people asked to share their experiences for exhibition

THE National Flood Forum are joining forces with:- The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) to create an exhibition highlighting peoples experience of flooding.  The exhibition will take place as part of the:- 'Flood and Coast Conference' at Telford International Centre, in June 2023.  People who have been flooded are being asked to share artwork, poetry, photographs that show their experiences of being impacted by floods. There may also be the opportunity to attend the event and give your personal experience of flooding.

Tracey Garrett, CEO, National Flood Forum, said:- “We would like to increase understanding between the industry and those who flood and putting this exhibition of flooded people’s experiences into the Flood and Coast Conference, gives a chance to do just that.’’

Terry Fuller, CEO at CIWEM, said:- “We want our conference to place communities at the heart of our thinking and discussions. Flood & Coast provides a great opportunity to raise the importance of community engagement amongst the flood risk professionals and decision makers who attend. It is personally important to me that everyone with an interest in flood and coastal risk feels welcome and able to participate.”

For more details and to submit your contribution visit:- Zealous.Co.