DEFRA will help lincolnshire farmers save for a rainy day

Minister for Environment Elliot Morley was in Lincolnshire today to open a new 200m-gallon reservoir.

The #1million reservoir on the Thorpe and Asgarby Estate near Sleaford, backed with a #500,000 grant by Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES) and supported by the Environment Agency, will be one of the largest farm reservoirs in the European Union, covering 45 acres. It has the capacity to hold a two year supply of water.

The reservoir, designed to capture and store river water that would otherwise pass through the estate unused, will allow five neighbouring farmers to grow a wider range of crops, such as brassicas, roots and other specialist vegetables. The improved yield and quality has already led to one of the farmers securing additional supermarket commitment.

The reservoir will benefit the environment, preserving scarce summer water and promoting greater diversity and sustainability. It will also benefit the local community creating almost seven full time jobs and, potentially, an estimated 32 jobs up and down stream of agriculture.

In addition, the Thorpe and Asgarby Estate is planning to create new footpaths and walks when the landscaping around the reservoir is complete.

Malcolm McAllister, the agent for the Thorpe and Asgarby Estate who prepared and submitted the RES grant application to Defra, said:

"We're aiming to create one of the foremost arable estates in the UK by establishing the infrastructure for sustainable farming systems. The reservoir will allow us to consistently grow the high quality vegetable and root crops the market demands. It will also enable further collaboration opportunities among our neighbouring farmers. When the reservoir is full, which may take two winters, the farmers will not need to use scarce summer water - so if there are droughts, they will have no problems continually producing a good yield of high quality crops.

"There are also benefits for the local community - jobs will be created on the estate and up and down stream of agriculture and provide a place for people to walk. Given the scale of the project, we will be considering other opportunities such as fishing and sailing, but these will be subject to the usual planning requirements."

Elliot Morley said:

"Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme encourages sustainable development initiatives for farmers, rural businesses and communities. I am delighted that the reservoir will benefit the farms involved, the local economy, people and wildlife in this part of Lincolnshire by providing access to increased water supplies."

Philip Key, one of the farmers who will benefit from the reservoir,

said:

"One of the problems with farming in this area has been the limited amount of water available in the summer. The reservoir will now give us a secure supply and place less restrictions on the water we can take."

Ian Russell, Rural Economy Advisor for Defra's Rural Development Service for the East Midlands, said:

"This huge site will offer enormous benefits to farmers in the area, guaranteeing increased water to those who currently irrigate crops and enhancing the cropping opportunity for others. Farmers will be able to offer local and national markets cauliflowers, cabbage, vining peas, beans, leeks, carrots and potatoes. It is possible the reservoir could create jobs and encourage farmers to adopt more environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices."

Ed Barnes, Environment Agency Regulatory Officer, said:

"The large winter storage scheme fits the current drive for sustainable development. There is currently no more summer surface water available across most of this area so winter storage was the only option. We are pleased to see this local water sharing scheme taking place."