The UK Irrigation Association (UKIA) provides up to date information on irrigation to its members and has been a voice supporting irrigation since its inauguration following the droughts in the mid 1970s. The UKIA represents all aspects of irrigation in the UK including agriculture, horticulture, golf, amenity, sports surfaces and landscaping. Members include farmers, growers, consultants, contractors, Environment Agency staff, suppliers, researchers, college and university staff. The UKIA is not a not a trade association; it runs for the benefit of its individual members and promotes all aspects of irrigation by providing information and helping to raise standards of knowledge and competence in irrigation design, installation and management. 

The UKIA was launched in 1980 following the publication of the report "Water for agriculture: future needs", which predicted rapid growth in UK irrigation. 

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s irrigated agriculture has grown in importance and it is now a vital part of meeting the high quality, continuous supplies demanded by the major supermarkets and processors. It has become an essential component in commercial crop production. However, agriculture is under increasing pressure to ensure that water abstracted for irrigation is used more ‘responsibly’.

The recent DETR publication ‘Taking Water Responsibly’ confirms that the government are committed to changing the current abstraction licensing system, and ensuring that water abstracted for irrigation is used more efficiently and economically.

But agriculture is not the only user of water for irrigation. Golf courses, landscaping and other amenities are becoming important users of water for irrigation and they too must look at ways of managing water properly and look to the future in terms of securing their rights of access to water.

Membership is open to everyone with an interest in irrigation including agriculture, horticulture, amenity, sports surfaces and landscaping. The Association aims to:

• Promote interest in, and a better understanding of, all aspects of irrigation in the United Kingdom.

• Collect and exchange information. 

• Raise standards of knowledge and competence in irrigation design, installation and management.

Please note that membership is only open to individuals and nominated members of organisations.

If you would like to join the please click here