Growers using abstracted water to irrigate crops are among those advised to check whether new regulations due to come into force on April 1 will apply to their businesses.

The regulations states: 'any water management project for agriculture, including an irrigation project' likely to have 'significant' environmental effects will require an environmental impact assessment.

The Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations will focus on water use not controlled by existing planning legislation or the licensing system. Abstraction projects are also included if they use 20 cubic metres of water a day.

Vice president of the NFU, Michael Paske said: 'It has been suggested by Defra that only a limited number of people will be affected by this complicated ruling. That has, however, to be seen and we would urge farmers and growers to check if they are unsure.' However the NFU has asked the Environment Agency to provide the industry with guidance notes as soon as possible.