Protecting UK agriculture against a changing climate

As the threat of climate change continues to increase, the frequency of extreme weather events is rising across the UK. With wetter winters but warmer, drier summers expected to persist, the risk of drought will grow, creating significant challenges nationwide. While the UK climate can be unpredictable, the impact of drought is evident and cannot be ignored.
Following several drought declarations and water restrictions enforced throughout 2025, farmers across the UK continue to contend with drained reservoir levels and heightened demand for irrigation, resulting in lower crop yields, fragile water sources, and growing concern about the future of British agriculture.
Our team of water resource experts has been working within the agricultural industry for many years, supporting the implementation and management of sustainable water resources. We asked Principal Water Resources Specialist, Tamsin Morey, for her thoughts.
Tamsin, what danger is the UK farming industry already experiencing?
Farmers across the country now face increasing risks of water shortages as heatwaves become more frequent and intense, alongside rising temperatures. With a predicted 5 billion litres per day water deficit in England by 2055, the agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable and is expected to continue to face significant pressure.
Farmers are facing difficulties due to low river flows, which trigger hands-off flow (HoF) conditions and cause water abstraction to be voluntarily reduced (in collaboration with the Environment Agency), or in some cases, limited. Even those with reservoir reserves are experiencing their supplies deplete faster than usual.
Can you explain the importance for farmers to safeguard their operations against the impacts of climate change, and what challenges may arise if not adequately protected?
The UK agricultural industry is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change because most of their water needs are concentrated in the summer months. Taking into account future weather patterns, it is essential that farmers prepare for higher temperatures, while also recognising the simultaneous risk of flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall on parched ground. Without adequate protection and adaptation, these extreme weather events could severely disrupt operations throughout the year - leading to damaged crops, lower yields, and declining soil health.
What can farmers do to maximise their operations?
The first step is to contact specialists like us. We offer proactive, customised support with a holistic approach, considering the extensive historic monitoring data available to help design solutions that account for the extremes already observed. Sustainability is embedded in all our solutions.
Another key factor to consider is the need for new licences and variations. We urge you not to wait until conditions are drier to consider these, as they take time to compile, often ranging from 1 to 2 months, and can take over 6 months to determine. For many, additional storage, such as reservoirs, is often the solution. However, these also require time to plan, fund, and build. To assist with this, the UK Government has introduced a series of grants, including Water Management Grant Round 2, which provides funding to businesses, farmers, and organisations undertaking activities that contribute to the sustainable management of water resources, including the construction of new reservoirs. This is something to bear in mind for the future, as further rounds are likely.
Where can I find out more?
Good question! We understand that many within the agricultural sector are deeply concerned about the sustainability of their operations, and how water specialists such as ourselves can help make a difference.
That is why we have created Beyond Drought: From Risk to Resilience, a bespoke one-day event bringing together leading professionals and industry experts. The conference is particularly relevant to people working in the agricultural sector. Delegates can expect to engage with a range of speaker sessions, including from Bob Hillier and Andrew Francis. Both with over 30 years' experience across agriculture, and expert knowledge on best farming practices, water resources planning and drought management, Bob and Andrew will explore the collaborative approach required between abstractors and regulators and how to optimise abstraction during prolonged dry weather.
By equipping you with the knowledge and tools necessary to plan for an uncertain future, you can be sure to leave with the confidence needed to balance both your immediate operational goals and future climate challenges to secure your farm's future.
Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity. Discover more about our line-up of speakers and secure your place below.
Beyond Drought: From Risk to Resilience
About Envireau Water
Envireau Water is a team of expert water scientists and engineers who provide guidance on the management and regulation of natural water systems across the UK. By working collaboratively with our clients and the regulators, we deliver robust, sustainable solutions that meet the requirements of all stakeholders. With a loyal client base and our ability to work seamlessly throughout the four nations of the UK, many of our clients know us individually and trust us to find resolutions to their water problems for years to come.