An emergency service has been launched to help drought-hit UK farmers who urgently need water for their crops and livestock.

The NFU Water Bank follows an appeal to the Environment Agency for more flexibility in the abstraction licensing system.

The agency has agreed to fast-track approval – where possible – for short-term water trading so farmers with a surplus can help growers and livestock producers facing a shortage.

This podcast examines how the scheme works - and how it might help ease the pressure on UK farmers suffering from lack of rain.

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