Hugh Champions Kent Farmers

HUGH WINS ASSURANCES FROM THE MINISTER OF STATE OVER THE EFFECT OF WATER BILL ON KENT'S FARMERS

Hugh Robertson yesterday received assurances from the government over the effects of the Water Bill on licensing trickle irrigation. This is vital for many Kentish fruit farms

Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons on the Water Bill, Hugh expressed the concerns of the fruit industry about the effect of the Bill on trickle irrigation. Their concerns centre on two things: the cost of trickle irrigation schemes and the regulatory impact of such schemes.

In reply the Minister gave the Kent MP some reassurances, stating that: “When it comes to abstraction licences and costing, the Environment Agency will be structured in a way that recognises trickle irrigation as a much more efficient use of water.”

Hugh said: “I have one of the few constituencies in England where fruit farming is the predominant agricultural type. Many of my constituents are deeply worried about the effect of the Bill on trickle irrigation.

“Fruit farming is wholly unsubsidised, produces high quality produce and is vitally important for both the rural environment and the local economy in Kent. Trickle irrigation is of particular importance to many growers who have previously been exempt from the abstraction licensing system. I am delighted that the government recognises that this type of irrigation is the most efficient and that the Environment Agency will react accordingly.”