The aim was to ensure farmers were fully aware of how to manage their water effectively, how to cope with the effects of climate change and how to successfully negotiate contracts for future water supply.

The event was the first of a two-day programme, which will conclude in October with a visit to East Anglia to see the UK's latest innovative irrigation schemes in action.

Melvyn Kay, from the UK Irrigation Association (UKIA), spoke about options for switching irrigation technology, and Jerry Knox, from Cranfield University, covered best practice for irrigation management and options and costs for irrigation systems.

The seminar was followed by a site visit to Turvelaws Farm, Wooler.
Farmer Mark Robson, said: "We live in this area and want to protect its environment while at the same time operating a sustainable business for the people who work within it.

"The Environment Agency is taking over the management of the Till river basin from Natural England and it is fantastic that they have put on this specialist course in the north of England.

"It gives all farmers a better understanding of how they, the landowners and employers can work together to balance our natural resources for the good of everyone and to protect our futures. The speakers were the best in the industry and we have all learned a huge amount from the UK Irrigation Association."

The farmers also learnt about accommodating future climate change through the use of modern irrigation equipment and scheduling, and looked at how to integrate water resource management in to their current farming systems.

Specialist advisor Simon Hogg, of SAC Consulting, said: "The workshop showed the group how to plan ahead to guarantee they will be able to extract sufficient water to service their crops.

"Our changing climate will throw up a whole host of challenges and opportunities. Since last year's floods considerable work has been done into the areas of flood management. However the farmers also need to know how to manage their soil and water supplies during water shortages."

The event was organised by Cheviot Futures, The Environment Agency, Scottish Agricultural College and the UK Irrigation Association and funded by the Northumbria Regional Flood Defence Committee, the Environment Agency and through LandSkills as part of the Rural Development Programme for England. Lunch for the day was provided by Greenvale AP.