Lincolnshire Farmer Battles with Flood Damage after Storm Babet
In Lincolnshire, devastating flooding in the wake of Storm Babet has left agricultural crops underwater, causing significant financial and operational strain on farmers. This phenomenon has raised concerns about the food security and the long-term sustainability of farming in the region.
Calls for Action Amid Crises
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU), representing more than 46,000 farming and growing businesses in England and Wales, has appealed to all political parties to contribute strategical plans to secure farmland from the ongoing threat of flooding. Highlighting the potential risks to the country's food supply, the NFU stresses the immediate need for robust action.
First-Hand Experience of the Impact
David Armstrong, a 62-year-old Lincolnshire farmer, reveals the extent of the problem. His winter linseed and wheat crops have been radically affected by flood damage, and he now faces the painstaking task of trying to salvage what remains.
"We’re not as well prepared now as we’ve been in the past. There needs to be a lot better maintenance of rivers and watercourses."
Flood Management Measures Lacking
With another storm forecasted in the coming week, the urgency of addressing flood management has been amplified. Despite repeated promises of action made during each damaging flood event, Armstrong asserts that governmental bodies across all parties have not sufficiently managed watercourses and flooding.
NFU’s Proposals
In a bid to enforce change, the NFU has drafted an open letter to the Environment Agency and the Government, emphasising the need for better management of watercourses and flood defences, fair remuneration for farmers for flood protection efforts, and amendments to the Flood Defense Grant, to prevent rural communities being disadvantaged.
Responses from Government and Environment Agency
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) recognises the impact of Storm Babet on the farming community and cites the Flood Recovery Framework announced recently, which supports farmers through grants and natural flood management measures to promote flood mitigation. Echoing this sentiment, an Environment Agency spokesperson referenced their ongoing work with farmers and landowners to help recovery and protect agricultural lands from future flooding.