Water a key issue for farmers as annual show begins

4 hours ago

George Carden,South Eastand

Danielle Malgwi,South East

This is the 58th year the show is running

The South of England Agricultural Society The image shows a man and woman looking at a line of red tractors. — This is the 58th year the show is running

Access to water is among the top issues facing farmers and growers from Sussex and Surrey as people began flocking to one of south-east England's biggest annual countryside events.

The South of England Show is being held until Monday for a 58th time on the showground in Ardingly, with events such as equine showing and livestock competitions.

National Farmer's Union (NFU) Vice President Robyn Munt will be attending, along with other NFU members.

NFU West Sussex Vice Chair Phil Veltom, an arable farmer who farms near Elmsworth, said: "Things have been very tough out there and shows like this are a great opportunity to bring people together to discuss some of these issues."

The country has just experienced one of the driest springs on record, posing major issues for all types of farmers, the NFU said.

Taps have ran dry for tens of thousands of households across south-east England during the last year as the region was hit with multiple supply issues.

The union said it "continues to highlight the urgent need for guaranteed access to water that farmers need to produce food for the nation".

Some of the show events include equine showing and showjumping classes

The South of England Agricultural Society The image shows a woman riding a large black horse, and spectators can be seen in the background. — Some of the show events include equine showing and showjumping classes

Government figures show that farming provides over 45,500 jobs in the South East and London, and that farming contributes more than £813m to the economy of these areas.

The NFU has also highlighted how the conflict in Iran continues to cause severe increases in fuel and fertiliser prices.

A Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "We are working with farmers, including the NFU, to manage the impacts of the Middle East conflict on the sector and keep costs down across the supply chain.

"We've cut red diesel to its lowest rate in over 20 years, and we are suspending food tariffs on a wide range of products to help ease pressure on food prices."

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