Agriculture, horticulture & fisheries
Forms and guidance covering agriculture, horticulture and fisheries, including grant schemes.
Some entries below may link to publications available as Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Further information is available on our Help page about downloading or reading Adobe Acrobat PDF documents.
- Agriculture - annual reports and statistics
- Agriculture - general
- Crop cultivation and horticulture
- Farm management accounting
- Fisheries
- Livestock farming
- Planning
- Plant health
- Poisonous plants
- Weeds Act 1959
Agriculture - annual reports and statistics
Agriculture
in the United Kingdom 
(latest edition, available on this site)
Jointly produced by Defra, SEERAD, DARDNI and WAG, Agriculture in
the United Kingdom 2006 fulfils the requirement under the Agriculture
Act 1993 that Ministers publish an annual report on such matters relating
to price support for agricultural produce as they consider relevant. The
Government will draw on this information when considering policy issues,
including proposals by the European Commission in respect of the Common
Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the provision of agricultural support.
N.B. Some of the figures now given for past years may differ from those
published in preceding issues. This is because of the use of later information,
changes in the scope and nature of the available data and improvements
in statistical methods.
TSO, 2007 A4 vi,132pp
ISBN 0112430953 £25.00
Also available:
Agriculture
in the United Kingdom 2005
TSO, 2006
ISBN 0112430910 £24.00
Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2004
TSO, 2005
ISBN 0112430864 £22.00
Agriculture
in the United Kingdom 2003
TSO, 2004
ISBN 0112430791 £21.00
Agriculture
in the United Kingdom 2002
TSO, 2003
ISBN 0112430708 £19.00
Agriculture
in the United Kingdom 2001
TSO, 2002
ISBN 0112430651 £19.00
Agriculture
in the United Kingdom 2000
TSO, 2001
ISBN 0112430627 £18.00
Agriculture
in the United Kingdom 1999
TSO, 2000
ISBN 011243057X £17.00
Agriculture
in the United Kingdom 1998
TSO, 1999
ISBN 011243049X £15.00
Agriculture
in the United Kingdom 1997
TSO, 1998
ISBN 0112430368 £14.00
Agricultural census statistics for the UK
Formerly known as the Digest of agricultural census statistics,
this brings together the main results of the annual agricultural and horticultural
censuses held each June throughout the UK.
Since the 1998 edition, the census statistics are now available only on
this website. Files can be viewed either in Portable Document Format (PDF) or as Excel spreadsheets.
Also available:
Digest
of agricultural census statistics United Kingdom 1997 (available
on the Defra farm statistics site)
TSO, 1998
ISBN 0112430465 £24.00
Digest of agricultural census statistics UK 1996
ISBN 0112430392 £22.00
Digest of agricultural census statistics UK 1995
ISBN 0112430244 £21.00
Digest of agricultural census statistics UK 1994
ISBN 0112430082 £21.00
Farm incomes in the United Kingdom 2001/02 (available only on this site)
Provides comprehensive analyses of income developments, both in aggregate
and at farm level. While Agriculture in the UK provides data on the United
Kingdom agriculture industry as a whole, this report provides data separately
for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales both on individual farm
types, and on the industry as a whole.
Since the 1997/98 edition this publication is now available only on this website.
Files can be viewed either in Portable Document Format (PDF) 
, or as Excel and Word files.
Farm incomes in the United Kingdom 2000/01
Farm incomes in the United Kingdom 1999/00
Farm incomes in the United Kingdom 1998/99
Farm incomes in the United Kingdom 1997/98
Available as paper copy:
Farm
incomes in the United Kingdom 1996/97
TSO, 1998
ISBN 0112430384 £30.00
Earlier editions of the above report may be available to order from the TSO Online Bookshop
Agriculture - general
Agricultural land classification of England and Wales
Revised guidelines and criteria for grading the quality of agricultural
land. Provides a framework for classifying land according to the extent
to which its physical or chemical characteristics impose long-term limitations
on agricultural use.
MAFF, 1988 A4 60pp
UR146 £7.00 (includes postage and packing)
See also Maps section for: Agricultural Land Classification map: whole of England and Wales and other ALC maps
Birds on lowland farms
P. Lack
To the farmer the majority of birds have no particular economic interest
though by eating insects and other potential pests they are more likely
to have a beneficial effect on productivity than be a nuisance. This book,
jointly produced by the British Trust for Ornithology, the Joint Nature
Conservation Committee and MAFF, identifies the farm management practices
which benefit birds (and those which do not) and addresses the issues
of conflict between beneficial activities for birds and the greatest efficiency
for the farmer. Suggestions for realistic compromises are presented, which
still produce considerable benefits for birds, maintain efficiency of
productivity for the farmer, provide good quality food at affordable prices
for the consumer and consider the protection of the environment.
HMSO, 1992 ix, 140pp illus, tables, graphs
ISBN 011242922X £14.95
Farming and food's contribution to sustainable development: economic and statistical analysis - available on this site
Over the last 50 years a wide range of underlying economic and social
trends have profoundly shifted the contribution which food and farming
makes to the three pillars of sustainable development – economic,
environmental and social. These shifts in contribution have in turn shifted
the nature and focus of the public policy concerns which arise in these
sectors. These papers have been prepared by Defra economists and statisticians;
the second paper – Using Economic Instruments – was prepared
jointly with economists from H.M. Treasury and provides the report of
the first stage of work on this subject announced in Budget 2002.
Defra, 2002 A4 136pp
PB7751B Free
See also: Strategy for sustainable farming and food - facing the future
Agricultural employment and wages
Report on wages in agriculture 1 January to 31 December
2005 (including a report of proceedings under the Agricultural Wages Act 1948)
TSO, 2007 A5 33pp
ISBN 0112431135 £21
Earlier editions of the above report may be available to order from the TSO Online Bookshop
Employing workers on a farm or in a packhouse - your obligations explained - available on this site
A new edition of the 1998 booklet (Employing planters, pickers or
packers of agricultural produce? your obligations explained, PB3755)
explaining some of the things required by law of farmers, gangmasters
or employment agencies who recruit agricultural workers full or part time,
or for casual, seasonal or temporary work. See also: Working
on a farm or in a packhouse - your rights explained below.
Defra, 2003 A4 19pp
PB8744 Free
Working on a farm or in a packhouse - your rights explained - available on this site
A new edition of the 1998 booklet (Planting, picking or packing agricultural
produce? your rights explained, PB3562), explaining some of the legal
rights of agricultural workers employed full or part time, or to do casual,
seasonal or temporary work. See also: Employing workers
on a farm or in a packhouse - your obligations explained above.
Defra, 2003 A4 16pp
PB8745 Free
Agricultural tenancies
Code of good
practice for agri-environment schemes and diversification projects within
agricultural tenancies
Tenancy Reform Industry Group
This code, drawn up by the organisations forming the Tenancy Reform Industry
Group, sets out the framework within which landlords and tenants should
be able to agree the appropriate terms following which agri-environment
schemes and diversification projects can be pursued by the party concerned.
Defra, 2004 A5 16pp
PB10080 Free
CAP reform - Single Payment Scheme
Single Payment Scheme: How is the Single Payment Scheme evolving? Information for farmers and growers November 2007 (available via this site)
Single Payment Scheme: frequently asked questions, April 2005
Defra, 2005 A4 24pp
PB10763 Free
Single
Payment Scheme: information for farmers and growers in England: February
2005 update
Provides additional information to the November 2004 update.
Defra, 2005 A4 32pp
PB10525 Free
Single Payment Scheme:
information for farmers and growers in England: November 2004 update
Provides additional information to the July 2004 update.
Defra, 2004 A4 31pp
PB10222E Free
Single Payment Scheme:
information for farmers and growers in England: July 2004 update
Defra, 2004 A4 28pp
PB9937 Free
Crop cultivation and horticulture
Basic horticultural statistics 2004 (covers calendar years 1993 - 2003) (available on this site)
Provides
comprehensive statistics on the production and value of horticultural
crops grown in the UK. Some statistics on potatoes and hops are also included
as well as overseas trade data.
Defra, 2004 tables, graphs
Also available in hard copy:
Basic
horticultural statistics for the United Kingdom: calendar and crop years
1992/93 - 2002/03
PB8889 Free
Basic
horticultural statistics for the United Kingdom: calendar and crop years
1991/92 - 2001/02
PB7556 Free
Available on website only:
Basic horticultural statistics for the United Kingdom: calendar and crop years 1990/91 - 2000/01
Basic horticultural statistics for the United Kingdom: calendar and crop years 1989/90 - 1999/00
Basic horticultural statistics for the United Kingdom: calendar and crop years 1988 - 1999
Information for importers regarding Conformity Certificate requirements for fresh fruit and vegetables
This booklet is intended for those involved in the importation of products subject to EC Marketing Standards into the UK from countries outside the European Union, under Commission Regulation (EC) 1148/2001 and is available from the Rural Payments Agency - Horticultural Marketing Inspections.
Defra, 2003 A4 4pp
PB7938 Free
Fertilisers
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops for crop year 2007
ISBN 978 0955256936, £38.00 (available on this site)
NB. Available through most booksellers, or directly from:
Agricultural Industries Confederation Ltd
Confederation House
East of England Showground
Peterborough PE2 6XE
Tel: 01733 385230
Fax: 01733 385270
www.agindustries.org.uk
Also available:
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops for crop year 2006
ISBN 978 0955256912, £38.00 (available on this site)
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops for crop year 2005
ISBN 978 0955256912, £38.00 (available on this site)
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops for crop year 2004
ISBN 0955256909 £38.00 (available on this site)
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops for crop year 2003
ISBN 1861901275 £38.00 (available on this site)
British survey of
fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops for crop year 2002
ISBN 1861901283 £37.00 (available on this site)
British survey of fertiliser
practice: fertiliser use on farm crops for crop year 2001
ISBN 1861901232 £37.00
British survey of fertiliser
practice: fertiliser use on farm crops for crop year 2000
ISBN 1861901100 £35.00
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops
for crop year 1999
ISBN 0853100853 £35.00
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops
for crop year 1998
ISBN 0853100632 £35.00
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops
for crop year 1997
ISBN 0114958855 £32.00
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops
for crop year 1996
ISBN 0114958327 £31.00
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops
for crop year 1995
ISBN 0114957657 £27.00
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops
1994
ISBN 011495304X £25.00
British survey of fertiliser practice: fertiliser use on farm crops
1993
ISBN 0114952388 £20.00
Fertiliser
recommendations for agricultural and horticultural crops (RB209) (available
on this site)
7th edition (formerly Reference Book 209)
Gives simple, practical advice on how farmers can maximise their economic
return from the use of fertilisers and organic manures by translating
the latest research developments into easy to follow recommendations.
It stresses the importance of taking into account all the sources of nutrients
available to plants to ensure that crop requirements are not exceeded,
and thus reduces the risk of damage to the environment. Moreover - of
particular value for the farmer - following these recommendations will
help to improve profit margins.
TSO, 2000 xiv, 177pp
ISBN 0112430589 £17.50
Non-food crops
See also: Strategy for non-food crops and uses
[Second] annual report of the Government Industry Forum on Non-Food Uses of Crops (available on this site)
The Forum was set up in March 2001 with the remit to provide strategic
advice to government and industry on how to promote development of non-food
uses of crops in UK, in particular to promote development of sustainable
opportunities that will add to UK economic activity.
Defra, 2003 A4 49pp
PB8539 Free
Also available:
First annual report of GIFNFC
PB7470 Free
Bio-energy
See also: Energy Crops Scheme information
Bio-energy Infrastructure Scheme
Growing short rotation coppice - best practice guidelines for applicants to DEFRA's Energy Crops Scheme
This booklet provides guidance on the choice of site, planting techniques,
crop management and harvesting methods required when growing short rotation
willow or poplar coppice as an energy crop. The booklet summarises current
agronomic techniques and, therefore, may need to be modified as further
experience is gained.
DEFRA, 2002 A4 30pp, illus
PB7135, Free
Farm management accounting
Defra's guidance material is designed to assist you with management accounting, including making more use of financial accounts, farm planning and budgeting. This is aimed at all farmers, including those who have not been involved with business management, planning and budgeting.
The following booklets will give you an introduction to basic farm business management techniques..
Farm business benchmarking online: management accounting for farmers (available on this site)
The Farm Business Benchmarking Online tool allows you to compare your farm performance against group averages for other farms of a similar type and size as your own. This program is based on Farm Business Survey data.
Defra, 2004 A4 4pp
PB9842 Free
Converting the farm's financial accounts into management accounts: a practical guide (available on this site)
Defra, revised 2006 A4 25pp
PB12257 Free - available from early December 2006
Figures for a farming future (part 1) - Using the farm accounts to point the way (available on this site)
This booklet explains how to make use of the farm's profit and loss account
and the balance sheet to see where the business sits and how viable it
is.
Defra, 2004 A5 48pp
PB8916-1 Free
Figures for a farming future (part 2) - Mapping out a farming future
This booklet explains how possible changes to the farm business are assessed
so that plans are made on as sound a basis as possible.
Defra, 2004 A5 63pp
PB8916B Free
Fisheries
[General] fisheries technical conservation rules
A guidance note prepared by the UK fisheries departments on the main
EC technical conservation requirements, including measures introduced
under the cod and hake recovery plans, and relevant UK legislation.
Defra, 2002 A4 25pp, illus
PB6968 Free. Also available: English/Welsh version PB6968W
Foreign crayfish can cause severe environmental damage and spread disease
to our vulnerable native species if they escape into the wild. This leaflet
gives restaurants, hotels and fish markets guidance on how to avoid conflict
with the law and protect the environment.
MAFF, 1996 1/3 A4 folded illus
PB2532 Free
United Kingdom Sea Fisheries Statistics
United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 2005 (available on Marine Fisheries Agency website)
Defra, 2006 A4 ix,151pp, tables
PB12117. ISBN 0855211717 £17.00 (includes postage and packing)
Previous editions are available for downloading in pdf or Excel format in the Statistics section of this site.
United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 2004
Defra, 2005 A4 viii,149pp, tables
PB 11122. ISBN 0855211687 £15.00
United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 2003
Defra, 2004 A4 viii,145pp, tables
PB9976. ISBN 0855211342 £15.00
United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 2002
TSO, 2003 A4 viii,139pp, tables
ISBN 0112430805 £30.00
United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 2001
TSO, 2002 A4 viii,138pp, tables
ISBN 0112430716 £29.00
United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 1999 and 2000
ISBN 0112430643 £29.00
Available in pdf format only:
United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 1998
ISBN 0112430538 £27.00
United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 1997
ISBN 0112430457 £25.00
United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 1996
ISBN 011243035X £23.00
United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 1995
Livestock farming
UK
country report on farm animal genetic resources 2002 
(available on this site)
The UK's official contribution to the First Report on the State of
the World's Animal Genetic Resources
Describes the current state of the UK's livestock industry and the key
role that the UK's rich diversity of livestock breeds and commercial strains
play in maintaining the economic and genetic sustainability of its farm
animal production systems as well as being part of the country's rural
culture. It also analyses the changing demands on national livestock production
and future breeding programmes driven by the globalisation of livestock
product marketing and by evolving Government policies on the environment,
animal welfare and food safety. The report was produced by a 24 member
National Consultative Committee on Farm Animal Genetic Resources representing
all main farmed species interests, a number of non-governmental organisations
engaged in breed management and conservation, and the leading institutes
and university departments involved in animal breeding and genetics. It
fulfils one of the Government's obligations under the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) in relation to conserving biological diversity in food
and agriculture.
Defra, 2002 A4 81pp
PB7959 Fre
Planning
A farmer's guide to the planning system (available on this site)
Jointly issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) and
Defra, this guide explains how the planning system works (as at the date
of publication*). It will help you to decide whether you need to put in
a planning application for your project and how to go about it. It gives
practical advice about presenting your application, what you need to consider
and what you can do to make your case effectively. It updates information
contained in the 1996 edition published by the Department of Environment.
However, it is not a definitive manual or an authoritative statement
of planning law or policy.
*On 12 December 2001 the Government published a Green Paper, setting out
its proposals for reforming the planning system. This is likely to lead
to substantive changes to the system in due course, which will be reflected
in any future revision to this guide.
Defra, ODPM, 2002 A4 39pp
02PD00188 (N.B. publication code) Free
Plant health
N.B. Many of the publications listed here are available on the Plant Health section of this site.
A guide summarising the rules relating to the import, movement and keeping of live invertebrates in Great Britain. These rules detail which species may or may not be imported or kept, to help ensure that no invertebrates that could cause damage to plant health are imported or kept.There are also restrictions relating to rare or endangered species, on releasing non-native species into the wild in Great Britain and on keeping potentially dangerous animals (including some scorpion and spider species).
Defra, 2004 A5 7pp, illus
PB9759 Free
The Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate
This information pack contains a number of handouts on the role and work
of the PHSI.
Defra, 2002 A4 folder containing 7 leaflets
PB7583 Free
Plant health information on pests and diseases
A series of information sheets and/or leaflets, with accompanying A3
identification posters, on various plant pests and diseases.
N.B. Available on the Plant Health section
of this site.
Bemisia tabaci: the tobacco whitefly
This pest is also referred to as the silverleaf or sweet potato whitefly.
Defra, [2006] A4 4pp
PB11620 Free
Brown rot of potato
Defra 2005 A4 4pp illus
PB 10694 Free
Brown rot/ring rot poster also available (same PB code)
Colorado beetle
Defra 2005 A4 2pp illus
PB10916 Free
A3 poster illus PB 10916A Free
Diabrotica species
Defra, 2003 A4 2pp
PB8156 free
A3 poster PB8155 Free
Fireblight
Defra, 2005 A4 4pp illus
PB10843 Free
Geranium bronze butterfly (Cacyreus marshalli)
Defra, 2002 A4 2pp
PB7601 Free
A3 poster PB7600 Free
Karnal bunt
Defra 2005 A4 2pp illus
PB10632 Free
Meloidogyne chitwoodi (the Columbia root-knot
nematode)
and Meloidogyne fallax
Defra, 2002 A4 2pp
PB6882 Free
A3 poster PB6881 Free
Phytophthora kernoviae: a new threat to our trees and woodland
Defra 2005 A4 6pp illus
PB10907 Free
Phytophthora ramorum: a threat to our trees,
woodlands and heathlands
Defra, revised October 2004 A4 7pp
PB8634b Free
A3 poster PB8634a Free
Potato spindle tuber viroid
Defra, 2003 A4 2pp
PB8158 Free
A3 poster PB8157 Free
Ring rot of potato
Defra, revised 2004 A4 4pp
PB9104 Free
Brown rot/Ring rot poster also available (same PB code)
Soil-borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV)
Defra, 2002 A4 2pp
PB6579B Free
A3 poster PB6580B Free
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus
DEFRA, 2002 A4 2pp
PB6579A Free
A3 poster PB6580A Free
Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera)
Defra, [2006] A4 4pp
PB11891 Free
Plant passporting and import restrictions
Plant health guide to plant passporting and marketing requirements (available on this site)
This guide explains the system of producer registration and the plant
passporting of certain plants and plant products traded commercially in
the EC Single Market. 12 appendices available as separate inserts detail
which plants need plant passports under particular circumstances, which
genera/species are covered by the Marketing of Fruit [or Vegetable] Plant
Material Regulations 1995, the responsibilities of affected groups, documentation
requirements, charges and useful addresses
Defra, amended September 2004 A4 11pp booklet (+ appendices A-L as
individual inserts)
PB2160 Free
The plant health guide for importers
This guide sets out restrictions on the import of plants, plant produce,
plant pests, soil and growing medium from third countries into Great Britain.
Defra, amended 2003 A4 33pp
PB1881 Free
Travellers! Plants brought back to Britain from abroad could carry serious pests and diseases
An amended edition of the earlier leaflet Travellers' guide to bringing
plants back from abroad (including wild plants).
Defra, amended 2001 1/3 A4 illus
PB1559 Free
Poisonous plants
Poisonous plants and fungi in Britain: animal and
human poisoning
M.R. Cooper and A.W. Johnson
A new edition of this practical, comprehensive guide for everyone interested
in the countryside and natural history. Over 250 plants and 30 fungi are
described, most of them native to Britain, although some cultivated and
imported plants are included.
TSO, 1998 xviii,398pp, hard cover illus
ISBN 0112429815 £55.00
Poisonous plants and fungi : an illustrated guide
A 'popular' version of the above publication, also colour-illustrated,
but written more for the layman. Gives a description of the plant followed
by details of the poisonous substances it contains, symptoms of animal
and human poisoning and recommendations for treatment.
HMSO, 1988 134pp illus
ISBN 0112427189 £9.95
Weeds Act 1959
NB The publications listed below are all available on our Weed control pages.
Code of practice on how to prevent the spread of ragwort
This code apples to Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and all
subsequent references to “ragwort” in this code refer to “common
ragwort”. It applies to England only (a separate code is being prepared
in Wales). The Code aims to define the situations in which there is a
likelihood of ragwort spreading to neighbouring land where it will then
present an identifiable risk of ingestion by vulnerable animals, and to
provide guidance on the most appropriate means of control, taking into
account both animal welfare and environmental considerations.
Defra, 2007 (2004), A4 55pp, illus
PB9840 Free
Guidance on the disposal options for common ragwort
This guidance has been prepared to supplement the advice given in the
Code of practice (see above), and should be read in conjunction with the
Code.
Defra, 2005 A5 15pp
PB11050 Free
Guidance note on the methods that can be used to control harmful weeds
Provides guidance on methods which can be used to control the five injurious (harmful) weeds specified in the Weeds Act 1959. The five weeds are:
- Spear thistle (Cirsiuim vulgare
- Creeping or field thistle (Cirsiuim arvense
- Curled dock (Rumex crispus)
- Broad leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius)
- Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)
Defra, 2002 A5 15pp
PB7190 Free
Identification of injurious weeds
An illustrated leaflet designed to assist in the identification of injurious
weeds as prescribed in the Weeds Act 1959.
MAFF, 1999 A4 6pp, illus
PB4192 Free
Preventing the spread of harmful weeds
Provides guidance on the steps you can take to control the spread of
a number of weeds which can be harmful to agricultural production, or
which may be harmful if eaten by animals. Also explains the role played
by DEFRA and others in relation to the control of those weeds covered
by the provisions of the Weeds Act 1959.
DEFRA, 2002 A5 17pp
PB7189 Free
See also: Defra work and policy for Departmental report and publications on policy and strategy and |
Some entries below may link to publications available as Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format PDF files. Further information is available on our Help page about downloading or reading Adobe Acrobat PDF documents.
Page last modified: 24 April 2008