UK: Calls for water protection as Midlands declares drought
John Mercer, regional director for the NFU, warned drought conditions may continue to affect the county until Christmas and into next year.
He said: "We have concerns that Shropshire farm businesses will not be able to operate as effectively.
"However, the NFU is speaking with the Government and Environment Agency about organising summer abstraction.
"The NFU is also trying to ensure a supply of water is ring-fenced for farmers and that legislation and inspections do not hinder agricultural production."
He said that the public need not worry about the effects on crops should a hosepipe ban come into force.
"Should there be a hosepipe ban implemented by the water companies across the West Midlands this will not affect crop and livestock production in the county," Mr Mercer said.
"The agricultural industry, which uses only one per cent of the UK’s water supply, has been operating under restrictions for a number of months now and many farmers and growers have already changed practices.
"This includes irrigating at night, investing in farm reservoirs and using technology like trickle irrigation and rainwater harvesting to make the most of the water available to them.
"Farming is a very resilient sector and Shropshire farmers and growers are used to managing and adapting to changes in weather patterns."
Source: www.shropshirestar.com