Irrigation in UK

UK Irrigation Association - An independent organisation promoting the wise use of water for irrigation

Visit our Industry Directory: Equipment and services

New sections/pages

Thinking about rainwater harvesting?
A grower’s guide to planning, designing a rainwater harvesting system for protected horticultural production.

Information, news & contact details for WAGs
Find out what others are doing: Get in touch
Booklet: Thinking about setting up a WAG
UKIA Conference 5 March 2025
Taking control and responsibility for water

A pilot study in the River Strine catchment area in Shropshire to assess challenges and values of implementing advanced wireless sensor technologies for monitoring local water resources

Date for your diary
Next UKIA conference Wed 4 March
Theme: Making best use of available water resources

Who we are

In our varying climate, particularly in eastern, central and southern England, irrigation has become essential for producing our nation’s high quality fresh fruit and vegetables: a thriving industry involving more than 1,000 agri-businesses employing over 50,000 people. Irrigation is also an essential part of sports and leisure management.

We advocate wise use of water in agriculture, sports, and amenity. We are a voice for irrigation at the top decision-making tables: Defra, Environment Agency, and at myriad meetings on the future of UK water resources.

We want to see water for food as an essential water user like water supply and the environment. We want an integrated approach to water resources management (IWRM) as the best means of making use of our limited water resources. Read more about us…

What we do

We turn research into practice we produce and disseminate practical information on irrigation, water, drought, and climate change based on evidence from sound research.

We keep you up-to-date through conferences, meetings, newsletters, and emails on national and international irrigation matters. We organise irrigation visits both in UK and internationally (recently in France, Italy, Israel, Morocco, Spain, and Cyprus).

We are founder members of the Water for Food Group – the ‘one-voice’ for water for food comprising UKIA, NFU, CLA, AHDB, and other organisations working in the agri-food sector. Read more about us…

Membership

We are not a traditional trade organisation. We are a ‘broad church’. Over 50% of our members are farmers and growers, plus consultants, researchers, suppliers, manufacturers, and government professionals. Like to join us?

Individual membership is only £60 annually, Individual membership+ includes an entry in our Industry Directory, and Group membership for companies/organisations Read more/join us…

Join our emailing list for FREE for news about meetings, field visits, and conferences. Read more and sign up…

Resources

We have a library of downloadable Newsletters, irrigation booklets, datasheets, journal papers, and conference presentations – go to Resources…

View our Irrigators’ Handbook – a practical guide to all aspects of irrigation in the UK read more…

Industry directory

Search for irrigation products and services.

Add your company to our directory or search for irrigation products and services Read more and request an entry…

Travel grants

Travel grants available for high calibre post graduates to extend their international experience. Awarded annually and managed through the Jack Wright Memorial Trust. Read more…