The UK Irrigation Association (UKIA) has said that its annual conference, which will be held in Peterborough on Thursday 5 March, is particularly topical given current concerns surrounding the future of licensing and the Water Framework Directive (WFD).
“The European Union Water Framework Directive has been with us since 2000 but for many businesses and regulators the critical date is 2015 when Member States have to ensure that all aquatic ecosystems and wetlands meet ‘good status’,” comments UKIA Executive Secretary Melvyn Kay. “Failure to achieve this target in catchments where irrigated production is concentrated could have far reaching business and rural economy implications.
The UKIA points out that the ultimate success of the WFD will depend largely on farmers and growers who are responsible for managing around 90 per cent of the country’s land and water resources.
The conference features speakers from around the world including representatives from the NFU, Environment Agency and Universities. Booking before the 7 February qualifies for a 10 per cent ‘early bird’ discount.
More information at www.ukia.org.
