The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is a government department in the UK.

We cover – we make policy and legislation, and work with others to deliver our policies in - areas such as:

• the natural environment, biodiversity, plants and animals
• sustainable development and the green economy
• food, farming and fisheries
• animal health and welfare
• environmental protection and pollution control
• rural communities and issues.

Although we only work directly in England, we work closely with the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and we generally lead on negotiations in the EU and internationally.

• Read more about the department, including key facts and figures
• Read more about our priorities and objectives

The Government believes that we need to protect the environment for future generations, make our economy more environmentally sustainable, and improve our quality of life and well-being. We also believe that much more needs to be done to support the farming industry, protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable food production.

Recent publications

• Concordat on management arrangements for fishing quotas and licensing in the UK

• Capability Review 2012

• Defra equality objectives 2012-2016

• Workforce Monitoring

• Guidance on voluntary registration of land as a town or village green

• Joint Code of Practice for Research (JCoPR)

• Red Tape Challenge – Environment Theme proposals

• Developing a joint approach to improving flood awareness and safety at caravan and camping sites in England and Wales

• Good news for sheep tagged before 2010

• Farm and forestry improvement scheme (FFIS) guidance document

All ‘About Defra’ publications