CREW's latest guidance which helps farmers and growers respond to increasing water scarcity across Scotland was recently launched at the Arable Futures event.
Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical guidance for Scottish farmers and growers brings together the latest evidence on changing rainfall patterns and water availability, translating it into practical, farmer-focused advice. As climate change continues to affect water reliability, particularly during the growing season, the guide supports farm businesses to assess their level of risk and take proactive steps to protect crop yields, livestock welfare and long-term resilience.
The guidance includes tools to help users develop a drought risk profile and create a tailored farm weather resilience plan. It also highlights options for improving water efficiency, exploring alternative water supplies, and strengthening on-farm management, supported by real-world case studies.
Developed in collaboration with Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), The James Hutton Institute, University of Aberdeen, SAOS Ltd, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), NatureScot, NFU Scotland and the Scottish Government, the project reflects a shared commitment to supporting Scotland’s agricultural sector in adapting to a changing climate.
By supporting more efficient water use, the guidance aims to help safeguard both farm productivity and the freshwater environments and wildlife that depend on them.
Rebekah Burman promoting "Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical guidance for Scottish farmers and growers" at the Arable Futures event in The James Hutton Institute.
The guidance was promoted alongside the associated CREW project - "Future Predictions of Water Scarcity in Scotland: Impacts to Distilleries and Agricultural Abstractors".