UKIA conference March 2026

Farming the future:
Getting the best from available water resources 

Water for agriculture is under more pressure than ever — but it’s not all gloom and doom. With limited new water available, this year’s focus is on making better use of what we already have.

We explore technical options: on-farm storage, smarter water resource management, rainwater harvesting, precision irrigation, and managed aquifer recharge.

Hear how management approaches can secure and share water resources by forming Water Abstractor Groups and connecting abstractors with Regional Water Resource Groups to ensure agriculture is included in water resources planning, thereby supporting integrated water resources planning.

At the policy level, the new government’s White Paper on water resources is now available following the
independent Cunliffe Water Commission’s recommendations, signalling renewed attention to the sector.

This conference brings together farmers, researchers, and water managers to share knowledge, showcase innovation, and explore practical ways to build resilience, reduce waste, and secure reliable future water.

 Presentations:

Bob Hillier The Growing Voice: After the Third Drought in Eight Years: What Next for Agricultural Water Resources?

Sarah Faulkner Faulkner & Mayne Sustainable Agriculture Ltd: Experiences in leading the development of Water Abstractor Groups in Shropshire and beyond

Georgia Sakellariougeaor WSP: explores a governance framework to integrate agricultural water needs into regional water resources planning: connecting Water Abstractor Groups with Regional Water Groups

Teresa Meadows WRE:  on progress with (£300K) Smart Farming Initiative that benefits
irrigating farmers (Funded by MHCLG )

Jerry Knox Cranfield University: modelling opportunities for smart water resources management in the River Strine catchment, Shropshire

Jyoti Baneerjee North Star Transition: Jyoti is passionate about the need for a ‘systems’ approach to regenerating the Fens not only to secure water for agriculture but also to encourage investment in locally owned plans for climate-resilient farming, nature recovery, and regional prosperity

Richard Thompson & Mima Boardman: Environment Agency: Latest developments following the Cunliffe Water Commission’s recommendations and the government White Paper on water resources, progress on Environmental Destination and Local Resource Options supporting Water Abstractor Groups

Emma Hopkins Wroot Water: Offers a personal experience of an LRO in development

Rob Soley WSP: on groundwater options for irrigators and its potential to support the
development for food security