Developing a strategy to improve irrigation efficiency in a temperate climate A case study in England

Irrigation is an essential component of agricultural production in England, but the water resources required are under intense pressure due to rising competition, demands for greater environmental protection and the longer-term threats from climate change. This paper describes the development of a water strategy for agriculture to assure its future sustainability by reducing water wastage and maximizing the benefit from the water used. Three themes have been defined - working together, making best use of available water and developing a knowledge base. The approaches described have international relevance to countries where agricultural irrigation is an important component of water abstraction.