Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
for Environment
Food & Rural Affairs
Featured
All bird keepers should maintain strict biosecurity measures until further notice to keep their birds safe from avian influenza.
Emergency support put in place for people fleeing Ukraine and entering the UK with their pets
News story
Streamlined system with the Government covering the costs of any necessary stays in quarantine for the pets of those fleeing Ukraine.
Animal health and welfare bills receive Royal Assent
Press release
Acts further strengthen the UK’s position as a world leader for animal health and welfare now that we have left the EU
From June 2022, applicants to government tree planting grants must source saplings from approved suppliers.
New bathing water status in the Isle of Wight and Oxford
Press release
Part of the Wolvercote Mill Stream at Port Meadow, Oxford, and the East Cowes Esplanade on the Isle of Wight will be added to the list of bathing waters.
Exit scheme opens to support farmers who wish to leave the industry and create opportunities for new entrants
Press release
Government opens application window for the Lump Sum Exit Scheme to facilitate a voluntary planned exit from the industry.
Latest from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
What we do
We are responsible for improving and protecting the environment. We aim to grow a green economy and sustain thriving rural communities. We also support our world-leading food, farming and fishing industries.
Defra is a ministerial department, supported by 32 agencies and public bodies.
Follow us
Documents
Guidance and regulation
See all guidance and regulationNews and communications
- Delivering the water quality we all want to see
- David Holdsworth appointed as new APHA Chief Executive
Research and statistics
See all research and statisticsPolicy papers and consultations
- Addendum to the UK 5-year action plan for antimicrobial resistance 2019 to 2024
- Environmental principles: draft policy statement
Transparency and freedom of information releases
See all transparency and freedom of information releasesOur ministers
Our management
Contact Defra
Defra Helpline
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
Telephone (UK only)
03459 33 55 77
Telephone (from outside the UK)
+44 20 7238 6951
The quickest way to get a response is to call our Helpline which is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm (find out about call charges at www.gov.uk/call-charges), alternatively you can email us.
Postal queries are unlikely to be answered until lockdown restrictions are relaxed, as the majority of our staff are working from home.
We aim to respond to queries within 20 working days, however due to the current volumes of correspondence we are receiving there could be a significant delay.
Defra Rural Services helpline
Telephone
03000 200 301
Contact the Defra Rural Services helpline for farming-related advice.
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.
You should also call us 24/7 to report suspicion of notifiable disease in animals.
Find out about call charges at www.gov.uk/call-charges.
Pet Travel Scheme helpline
Eden Bridge House
Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DX
United Kingdom
Pet Travel Scheme helpline
0370 241 1710
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays).
Find out about call charges at www.gov.uk/call-charges.
Make an FOI request
- Read about the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and how to make a request.
- Check our previous releases to see if we’ve already answered your question.
- Make a new request by contacting us using the details below.
Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests
Seacole Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
United Kingdom
During the COVID-19 outbreak, we will not be answering any postal queries. Please send your queries by email. If you send an email, please remember to include a return email address.
High profile groups within Defra
Corporate information
Jobs and contracts
Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information.