The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has urged the Government to ensure meat and poultry processors are included in discussions on managing England’s worsening drought crisis, warning that water shortages could threaten food production, hygiene and animal welfare.
The call follows Defra’s announcement that seven areas of England are now officially in drought, with a further six experiencing prolonged dry weather after what is on course to be the driest July on record.
In a statement issued following the announcement, AIMS Head of Communications Tony Goodger said processors must be part of the Government’s engagement with farmers, water companies and other stakeholders.
“Today’s announcement from Defra concerning drought conditions and additional areas under close observation, we urgently ask the Minister, Emma Hardy MP, to include meat and poultry processing within her additional engagement with key groups such as farmers, water companies and cross-party representatives,” he said.
Goodger pointed to the recent disruption at the 2 Sisters Food Group poultry processing site in Willand, Devon, where restrictions on water supplies forced the company to implement emergency measures to maintain operations.
“The recent lack of water at the 2 Sisters site in Devon is unacceptable in terms of operational requirements, food safety and hygiene and animal welfare and must not be repeated with any abattoir and processing site in the UK,” he added.
Defra said drought has now been declared across East Anglia, Hertfordshire and London, the Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands and Wessex. The Government said the Environment Agency has stepped up its operational response while ministers increase engagement with key groups, including farmers and water companies, to secure water supplies into the autumn.
The drought declaration comes as agriculture faces increasing pressure from prolonged hot, dry weather. Defra said July has received just 7% of its average rainfall, with some parts of Devon going 50 days without measurable rain. The department warned that early cereal harvesting, reduced crop yields, high irrigation demand and falling farm reservoir levels are creating significant challenges for the agricultural sector.
Emma Hardy, Minister for Water and Flooding, said: “Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal.”
She added that the Government expects water companies “to follow their drought plans, to go further and faster to reduce leaks, and to ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest of weather.