What we do

We are the UK government department responsible for policy and regulations on environmental, food and rural issues. Our priorities are to grow the rural economy, improve the environment and safeguard animal and plant health.

Defra is a ministerial department, supported by 36 agencies and public bodies.

Read more about what we do

We work on these topics

  1. Rural and countryside

    The interests of rural communities in the UK must be properly represented. Through investing in the rural economy, improving access to the countryside, coast and inland waterways, we will secure the future of these areas and their communities. Read more

  2. Food and farming

    Britain needs to ensure a sustainable supply of food for the UK market and export. Supporting and developing British farming, and encouraging sustainable food production (including fisheries) will ensure a secure, environmentally sustainable and healthy supply of food with improved standards of animal welfare. Read more

  3. Environment

    The government is working to protect our environment by reducing pollution, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, protecting areas of parkland, wildlife reserves and marine biodiversity, and enforcing regulations that keep our water and air clean. We also help communities avoid or recover from flooding and other weather-related hazards. Read more

  4. Wildlife and animal welfare

    The government offers advice and guidance to pet owners and also enforces legislation to protect pets against cruelty. The UK has a diverse and unique range of wildlife, but over-exploitation (such as over-fishing), habitat loss, climate change and the impact of non-native species all pose a threat. Read more

Our policies

  1. Encouraging businesses to manage their impact on the environment

    How the government is helping businesses to manage resources more efficiently and reduce their impact on the environment.

  2. Reforming the Common Agricultural Policy to ensure a fair deal for farmers, consumers and taxpayers

    How the EU's Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) is being reformed after 2013 to improve and simplify it, and reduce reliance on subsidies.

  3. Adapting to climate change

    What the government is doing to make sure the UK is prepared for the potential impacts of climate change.

See all our policies

Documents

Our announcements

  1. Apprenticeships in food and drink sector praised

    • 6 March 2014
    • News story

  2. Government announces support for fishermen affected by the storms

    • 6 March 2014
    • Press release

See all our announcements

Our consultations

  1. National pollinator strategy: for bees and other pollinators in England

    • 6 March 2014
    • Open consultation

  2. Waste prevention programme for England

    • 5 March 2014
    • Consultation outcome

See all our consultations

Our publications

  1. Flood support schemes: funding available from central government

    • 6 March 2014
    • Guidance

  2. 2020 waste arisings and treatment capacity forecasts

    • 6 March 2014
    • FOI release

See all our publications

Our statistics

  1. February 2014 farming and food brief

    • 6 March 2014
    • Statistics

  2. Farming statistics: livestock populations at 1 December 2013 – England

    • 6 March 2014
    • Statistics - national statistics

See all our statistics

Our ministers

Our management

Contact Defra

Defra Helpline

Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR

The quickest way to get a response is to call our Helpline which is open Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Alternatively you can email us at defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk or write to us at the postal address given above. We aim to reply to emails or letters within fifteen working days.

Make an FOI request

  1. Read about the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and how to make a request
  2. Check our previous releases to see if we’ve already answered your question
  3. Make a new request by contacting us at:

Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests

Customer Contact Unit
7th Floor
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR

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