Defra Statistics: Release Practice Policy
Published 3 September 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defra-statistics-policies-and-statements/defra-statistics-release-practice-policy
This policy sets out Defra’s release practice policy for Official Statistics as required by the Code of Practice for Statistics.
Pre-announcement
Defra’s official statistics are pre-announced in-line with the Code of Practice requirements. Wherever possible, official statistics are pre-announced 12 months in advance on the statistics release calendar. All our statistical releases will have a confirmed date on this calendar at least 4 weeks in advance of publication.
Timing of publication
All of Defra’s statistical releases are published at 9.30am on the pre-announced date. In exceptional circumstances we may seek approval from the Office for Statistics Regulation to adjust this time. In such cases the alternative release time will be publicised in advance and notified to key users.
Previous publications
Defra’s statistical releases remain publicly available. Past releases will not be deleted from our pages but are kept available to users with clear signposting.
Pre-release access
Prior to public release, access to official statistics is strictly restricted to those directly involved in the production or quality assurance of the statistics. In limited instances, 24-hour pre-release is made available to eligible recipients in accordance with the statutory rules set out within the Pre-Release Access to Official Statistics Order 2008 (the Order). Further information is available in our pre-release policy for official statistics.
Breaches
Breaches of the conditions of pre-release access must be reported to the Head of Profession for statistics and, in serious cases, the Director General for Regulation at the Office for Statistics Regulation.
Corrections
Corrections and revisions are handled according to our corrections and revisions policy for official statistics, and published as promptly as possible.
Contacts
All Defra official statistics releases include the email address of the producer team who may be contacted for further information on the data.
Status
All Defra statistics clearly include the status of the statistics in the release, for example whether statistics are accredited official statistics, official statistics or official statistics in development. If accreditation for official statistics has been removed, we will inform users and explain why.