A new act approved by parliament aimed at reducing flood risks in homes and businesses fails to recognise the need to produce food in England and Wales, according to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).

The NFU warns that the Flood and Water Management Act does not consider the scale and impact of proposals on the ability to produce sustainable food.

More than half of grade one agricultural land lies within five metres above sea level and 40 per cent of vegetables produced in England and Wales are produced in low-lying fens.

The NFU has raised concerns that the desire for environmental enhancement could take precedent over the need to maintain domestic food production. The situation is worsened because the Environmental Agency has legislative powers to take environmental action irrespective of the scale and impact on farming business.

NFU water policy adviser Jenny Bashford said: “A second Water Bill, or at least a white paper on water issues, is expected in the first session of parliament following the election.

“We will continue to press for food policy to be a material consideration in the Flood Risk Management process.”