Irrigation Bans Loom In 2027 As Government Backs On-Farm Reservoirs
Producers across England could face significant spray irrigation restrictions during the 2027 growing season, as the government steps up efforts to remove barriers to on-farm reservoir construction in order to strengthen agricultural water resilience.
The need for greater investment in water storage was highlighted at the fourth Farming and Food Partnership Board meeting on 26 October, where poultry and horticulture sector representatives agreed a package of actions focused on planning, infrastructure, audit burdens, and innovation.
The Board endorsed proposals to make it easier for farmers to build reservoirs, improve flexibility around water abstraction, and strengthen their ability to withstand future drought conditions.
The renewed focus on water infrastructure comes as the Environment Agency (EA) warns that emergency restrictions on spray irrigation, potentially including outright bans, could be introduced in some areas during the 2027 growing season, reports FarmingUK.
In its latest government assessment, published on 2 November, the EA warned that agricultural reservoirs may fail to refill before spring if winter rainfall remains below average.
This could leave growers and other farming businesses facing serious supply shortages.
Drought Concerns Deepen
The warning comes as drought conditions continue to affect 82% of England.
The EA estimates that rainfall equivalent to at least 120% of the long-term average will be required over the next six months for the country to emerge from drought by spring.
The assessment examines three possible winter rainfall scenarios – 100%, 80% and 60% of the long-term average – and their implications for agricultural reservoir levels for next year’s growing season.
Under the 80% rainfall scenario, prospects for reservoir replenishment are already considered poor in several important agricultural regions, including East Anglia, the West Midlands, Devon, and Cornwall.
Businesses in these areas therefore could face emergency Section 57 restrictions on water abstraction for spray irrigation during the 2027 season.
The outlook is even more concerning if winter rainfall reaches just 60% of average levels.
Under this scenario, numerous agricultural reservoirs could remain insufficiently replenished by spring, potentially resulting in widespread restrictions on irrigation water supplies.
Fears For Food Production
For the fresh produce sector, the implications could be far-reaching.
Reduced access to irrigation could affect production decisions across a range of crops, from field vegetables and potatoes to soft fruit, top fruit, and other horticultural produce.
Water shortages could disrupt planting and crop establishment, affect crop development and yields, and make it harder for growers to maintain consistent quality through periods of dry weather.
Uncertainty over available supplies could also complicate production planning and commitments to retailers and other customers ahead of the 2027 season.
Some growers have already been considering reducing vegetable production next year because of concerns over water availability.
The EA’s latest assessment follows warnings that almost 700 water abstraction restrictions remained in place across England towards the end of October.
Farming Board Agrees Action At Pace
Against this backdrop, the Farming and Food Partnership Board’s focus on farm reservoir development represents an important step towards addressing some of the longer-term infrastructure challenges facing the sector.
Members discussed work across government to address barriers to reservoir construction, including planning requirements, regulation, and financing.
Defra said it is continuing to work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and other departments to improve the policy and regulatory environment for on-farm reservoirs.
The Board agreed that progress should continue at pace to help farmers invest in water storage and improve the flexibility of abstraction arrangements, recognising the importance of more resilient supplies as drought risks increase.
Advance Preparation Advised
Mark Betson, water resources specialist at the NFU, warned that the effects of this year’s exceptionally dry conditions could continue well into 2027.
“The exceptional summer of 2026 has created a water deficit which will be difficult to make up over the winter,” he said.
Betson urged farmers to prepare for further pressure on water resources, highlighting the importance of making use of available supplies and planning ahead for future irrigation requirements.
The EA has introduced temporary arrangements offering eligible farmers greater flexibility to refill on-farm reservoirs, although the measures are not available in every catchment.
Farm businesses are being encouraged to review abstraction licences, assess their water requirements and contact local EA teams if they experience difficulties replenishing reservoirs.
Other measures for growers include exploring water trading arrangements and joining local water abstractor groups to improve access to available resources in order to strengthen resilience.
Longer-term investment is also being supported by the government, which has announced up to £15 million in funding for new on-farm reservoirs.
The funding is intended to help agricultural businesses increase storage capacity and improve their ability to manage future periods of water scarcity.
Despite the warnings, irrigation bans are not inevitable.
If winter rainfall reaches the long-term average, most agricultural reservoirs are expected to refill sufficiently ahead of spring, although some areas could still experience localised restrictions.
The is expected to publish a further irrigation outlook towards the end of February 2027.
This will provide a clearer indication of water availability and the potential restrictions facing farmers and growers as they prepare for next season.
Read the EA’s latest agricultural reservoir assessment here.
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