Environment Agency warns of widespread flooding risk to England's farmland
What happened
The Environment Agency issued a warning regarding growing threats to farm businesses in England from extreme weather. The agency reported that 1.12 million hectares of agricultural land, which is 13% of England's total, is currently at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. This risk is particularly high for Grade 1 agricultural land, with 59.2% of that land exposed to potential flooding.
From farminguk.com
Why it matters
The vulnerability of England's most productive farmland could have consequences for crop production, livestock operations, and agricultural infrastructure. The agency projects that the total agricultural area at risk could increase to 1.17 million hectares by the middle of the century due to climate change.
From farminguk.com
Who's involved
- Environment AgencyThe Environment Agency, which monitors environmental standards across England
- EnglandThe geographic area where the agricultural land and flood risk are located
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsThe Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which sponsors the Environment Agency
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- NFUSpeculative
Farm businesses might face increased costs or reduced revenue due to threats to viability and infrastructure.
- Natural EnglandSpeculative
Natural England could face increased costs related to managing and regulating high-risk agricultural land.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs may need to implement new policies to mitigate growing risks to food supply.
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The entities involved
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England
country in north-west Europe, part of the United Kingdom
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Environment Agency
non-departmental public body in the UK