James Clarke, Science and Business Development Manager for Soils, Crops and Water, outlines the importance of water availability when assessing the risk of food security.
With the UK’s population fast approaching 63 million, one of the main challenges that we face is continuing to feed ourselves without relying on imports. To meet this increasing food demand it is likely that we will need to see at least a 50 per cent increase in productivity by 2030 and it is vital that we achieve this in a globally sustainable way.
Availability of land, water and other resources are key factors which contribute to sustainable productivity of food. The recent months have highlighted how the availability of water is a key issue for the agriculture industry. Until recently, the UK has placed a focus on quality; however we are now giving quantity an equally high priority. Both issues are related, for instance low flow rates or rapid run off and erosion both reduce surface water quality. It is important that both issues are considered in a strategic manner.
Managing water as a resource and for improved quality is a critical issue and one that ADAS is and has been involved with in many projects. These include best practice guides on water management in potatoes, ornamentals, field vegetables as well as top and soft fruit. We also currently have an extensive range of catchment based projects exploring improved management techniques.
In order to protect food supply in the UK it is necessary that the process is approached in an integrated way. Businesses need to focus on better planning with specific emphasis on where resources, inputs and raw materials will come from in the long term. This will involve reducing requirements, minimising waste and impact while looking to do so in a way that benefits the whole supply chain and catchment.
For more information please contact James Clarke on 01954 268219 or email James.Clarke@adas.co.uk.