Defra work and policy
N.B. See also individual subject sections for reports, statistics and publications giving advice and guidance.
Action plan to develop organic food and farming in England (available on this site)
In their report Farming and Food: A Sustainable Future, the Policy
Commission on the future of Farming and Food led by Sir Don Curry
recommended the development of a strategy for organic food production
addressing all parts of the food chain. This Action Plan, which has been
produced by a stakeholder group representing a wide range of interests,
is a very important step towards such a strategy.
Defra, 2002 A4 20pp
PB7380 Free
Action plan to develop
organic food and farming in England: two years on (available on
this site)
Defra, 2004 A4 28pp
PB7380, Free
Agricultural use and management of common land: report of the Stakeholder Working Group (available on this site)
This report was published by Defra on behalf of the Stakeholder Working
Group which was convened to provide advice to Defra Ministers and the
National Assembly for Wales on measures to enhance the sustainable agricultural
use and management of common land.
Defra, 2003 A4 43pp
PB8285 Free
Air
quality strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 2007
(available on this site)
The UK Government and the devolved administrations published the latest Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, 17 July 2007 (Cmd paper No 7169). The Strategy sets out; a way forward for work and planning on air quality issues; the air quality standards and objectives to be achieved, and introduces a new policy framework for tackling fine particles. It identifies potential new national policy measures which modelling indicates could give further health benefits and move closer towards meeting the Strategy’s objectives.
Defra, 2007 Vol 1 Vol 2 A4
PB 12670 Free
Animal health and welfare strategy
Animal health and welfare strategy for Great Britain (available on this site)
This strategy was published in June 2004. It hopes to achieve the following five outcomes:
- Working in partnership;
- Promoting the benefits of animal health and welfare: prevention better than cure;
- Ensuring a clearer understanding of the costs and benefits of animal health and welfare practices;
- Understanding and accepting roles and responsibilities; and
- Delivering and enforcing animal health and welfare standards effectively.
The strategy is not just for Government but establishes a framework which
draws all stakeholders into achieving a shared vision over the next 10
years, establishing the roles and responsibilities of all parties and
a process for agreeing priorities and monitoring progress.
Defra, 2004 A4 40pp
PB9469 Free
Bilingual English/Welsh language version PB9469W
Associated documents (all available to download on this site via above link)
Delivering the animal health and welfare strategy in England: implementation
plan 2004
Defra, 2004 A4 72pp
PB9474 Free
Animal health and welfare strategy for Great Britain: the evidence
base - a work in progress
Defra, 2004 A4 78pp, figures
PB9475 Free
Bilingual English/Welsh language version PB9475W
Animal health and welfare strategy for Great Britain: a regulatory
impact assessment
Defra, 2004 A4 10pp
PB9476 Free
Bilingual English/Welsh language version PB9476W Free
Government strategic framework for the sustainable control of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Great Britain: a sub-strategy of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain - available on this site
Defra, 2005 A4 68 pp
PB10528 Free
Autumn performance report 2007 (A4, 67pp, available only on this site)
This report is published in late autumn each year as part of our reporting process. It highlights our progress towards achieving our outstanding Public Service Agreement targets since the publication of the Departmental report in May.
Defra, 2007
Also available:
Autumn Performance report 2006
A4, 76pp, available only on this site
Autumn
performance report 2005 (Cm 6692)
TSO, 2005 A4 152pp, figures
ISBN 0101669224 (PB11224) £30.00
Autumn performance report 2004 (Cm 6396)
TSO, 2004
ISBN 0101639627 (PB10388) £22.00
Autumn performance report
2003 (Cm 6017)
TSO, 2003
ISBN 0101601727 £16.40
Changing patterns: UK Government framework for sustainable consumption and production (available on this site)
Issued jointly by Defra and DTI, this document brings together for the
first time the economic and environmental case for action to tackle sustainable
consumption and production. It also sets out the key elements of the Government's
approach, outlining the scope for further action and our priorities for
the future.
Defra, 2003 A4 44pp, figures
PB8733 Free
Common land policy statement 2002 (available on this site)
This statement was issued following a consultation by the former DETR
and the National Assembly for Wales on Greater Protection and Better Management
of Common Land in England and Wales.
Defra, 2002 A4 37pp
PB6870 Free
Community capacity building and voluntary sector infrastructure in rural England
A policy paper which seeks to inform and to stimulate discussion on how
Defra can build on existing provision to find the best way to reach rural
people and their communities, prepared with input from a range of organisations.
Defra, 2003 A4 16pp
PB8801 Free
Delivering the essentials of life: Defra's five year strategy (Cm 6411) (available on this site)
This strategy, for the next five years and beyond, shows how Defra plans
to take forward its five strategic priorities. Much of it builds on work
already in hand which was detailed in the earlier strategy,
but it also sets out clearly Defra's future direction with particular
emphasis on environmental leadership from local to global and putting
sustainable development into practice - in rural policy; in farming, fishing
and food and in the way Defra works as a Department.
TSO, 2004 91pp
ISBN 0101641125 (PB10303) £19.25
Delivering the evidence: Defra's science and innovation strategy (2003-06) (available on this site)
Defra's first science and innovation strategy integrates all the science
activities (including the social and economic sciences) across the Department,
in the context of its new agenda. Science provides essential inputs to
Defra's core processes of policy formulation and delivery, by providing
evidence about its policy objectives and challenges; by creating a shared
understanding of issues with others and by identifiying the tools and
solutions Defra need to achieve its objectives.
Defra, 2003 A4 36pp, illus
PB8422 Free
Departmental report
Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs and the Forestry Commission: departmental Report
2008 (Cm 7399) (available on this site)
TSO, 2008, A4, 230pp
ISBN 978-0-10-173992-4, £33.45
Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs and the Forestry Commission: departmental Report
2007 (Cm 7103) (available on this site)
TSO, 2007 A4 ix,204pp
ISBN 0101710329 £32.50
Defra departmental report
2006 (Cm 6827) (available on this site)
TSO, 2003 A4 188pp
ISBN 0101682727 £29.00
Defra departmental report 2005 (available on this site)
TSO, 2005 A4 188pp
ISBN 0101653727 £28.00
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
resource accounts 2005-06 (available on this
site)
HC 1643
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 2005-06 Government Financial Reporting
Manual (FReM) issued by HM Treasury. The FReM replaced the 2004-05 Resource Accounting Manual; the layout
of these accounts has been amended to reflect these changes. The accounting policies contained in the FReM
follow UK generally accepted accounting practice for companies (UK GAAP) to the extent that it is meaningful and
appropriate to the public sector.
TSO, 2006 93pp, tables
ISBN 0102943591 £12.50
Water policy
Water strategy - Future Water (available on this site)
The Government’s new water strategy for England, Future Water was published 7 February 2008. This strategy sets out the Government’s long-term vision for water and the framework for water management in England.
Defra, 2008 A4 98pp, figures
9780101731928 available free on this site
Enforcement policy statement (available on this site)
Defra and its Executive Agencies are responsible for enforcing a wide
range of legal obligations, many of which carry a criminal sanction for
non-compliance. This Enforcement policy statement, which has the approval
of the Attorney General, sets out the general principles Defra intends
to follow in relation to regulation and its enforcement options when legal
obligations are breached. It also specifically sets out public interest
factors, in addition to those in the Code for Crown Prosecutors (2004),
appropriate to the decision to prosecute in regulatory cases.
Defra, 2005 A5 19pp
PB11049 Free
Evidence and innovation: Defra's needs from the sciences over the next ten years (available on this site)
Defra's first science and innovation strategy, Delivering
the Evidence (2003–2006), published in May 2003, set out
the intention to develop an assessment of Defra's future science requirements
in the long term, to inform expenditure plans and Defra's strategy for
the longer-term development of its science base, its capacity and needs.
This report fulfils that commitment and presents a strategic and long-term
perspective which will be used in planning Defra's evidence and innovation
activities (including in the biological, physical and social sciences,
statistics, economics, engineering and technology). It assesses the impact
of likely long-term influences on Defra's requirements in all these areas
and will be used to inform the setting of priorities for expenditure.
Decisions over the next few years will address where resources should
be focused on Defra-specific needs and where more will be achieved through
working in co-operation with others.
Defra, 2004 A4 vi, 49pp
PB9227 Free
First Soil Action Plan for England 2004-2006 (available on this site)
The Draft soils strategy for England, published for consultation
in 2001, was a key milestone in Government soil policy, as it provided
the first comprehensive statement on the state of our soils and how Government
and other partners were working together to improve them. Defra has since
worked with a steering group of key NGOs, other Government Departments
and Agencies and soil academics to develop the first soil action plan,
which draws together all the ongoing work on soils and identifies 52 actions
for Government and others to take forward to improve the protection and
management of soils within a range of land uses.
Defra, 2004 A4 36pp, illus
PB9441 Free
Defra's sustainable development strategy
Fuel poverty in England: the Government's plan for action (available on this site)
The Energy White Paper confirmed Defra's commitment to tackling fuel
poverty as one of its four energy policy goals. Eradicating fuel poverty
will also make a major contribution to reducing poverty – especially
for the elderly and in homes containing children. It will help to tackle
social exclusion, improve health and allow older members of society to
remain in their own homes. In England the initial goal is to end fuel
poverty for vulnerable households1 as far as reasonably practicable by
2010.
Defra, 2004 A4 47pp
PB10407 Free
The impacts of climate change: implications for Defra (available on this site)
This report was prepared by the In House Policy Consultancy (IHPC).The
work was undertaken to inform the development of Defra's policy on adaptation
to climate change in teh UK. It is not a statement of the Department's
views or Government policy.
Defra, 2003 A4 32pp
PB7753 Free
Initial
guidance from the Secretary of State to the Director-General of Water
Services
2004 periodic review of water price limits (available on this
site)
A subsidiary document to Directing the flow
published in November 2002, which was a high-level document looking 20
years into the future. This document is more narrowly directed at the
policies affecting the regulated water industry and at the shorter timescale
of 2005-2010. The policies in this guidance are specific applications
of the principles in Directing the flow to the water industry.
Defra, 2003 A4 53pp
PB7882 Free
Making space for water: taking forward a new Government strategy
for flood and coastal erosion risk
management in England (available on this site)
First Government response to the autumn 2004
Making space for water consultation exercise
Recent flooding incidents have highlighted the need for Government to
develop a comprehensive, integrated and forward-thinking strategy for managing future flood
and coastal erosion risks in England. This was why the Government published the Making space
for water consultation document in July 2004. This First Government
Response sets the future agenda for how we start to implement a new strategy, together,
over the next 20 years and beyond. We need to consider how we adapt to climate change, incorporating allowances into our
consideration of flooding and erosion risks, ensuring our measures are reversible and adaptable,
and that we review our approach on a regular basis using the foundation of best available
science.
Defra 2005 A4 47pp
PB10516 Free
Partnership, priorities and professionalism: a strategy for enhancing veterinary surveillance in the UK (available on this site)
This strategy is the product of widespread engagement with and support from interested parties both within Government and beyond. It forms an integral part of the forthcoming Animal health and welfare strategy, and shares its strategic outcomes:
- a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities
- a partnership approach
- promotion of animal health and welfare: prevention being better than cure
- a clearer understanding of the costs and benefits of animal health and welfare, and
- effective delivery and enforcement
Defra, 2003 A4 28pp
PB8296 Free
Review of legislation affecting integration within the Environment Agency: final report
The purpose of this review of legislation was to identify any barriers
preventing the Agency taking an integrated approach to the environment.
It has concentrated on the practical workings of the legislation on the
ground. It has considered whether harmonising the relevant provisions
more would improve protection of the environment and human health, and
provide a more simpler and streamlined service to the industry and the
public.
Defra, 2003 A4 20pp
PB8329 Free
Review of Marine Nature Conservation: Working Group report to Government (available on this site)
The most fundamental and comprehensive review of marine nature conservation
management undertaken in the UK. UK nature conservation policy is based
principally on an approach of providing protection to those species and
habitats considered under threat or in decline. Improved understanding
of the natural marine environment has resulted in changes in its management,
reflected in the changing emphasis of the international conventions and
agreements to which the UK is a signatory. The focus is now on an ecosystem
approach rather than on the protection of specific species and habitats,
which requires us to better integrate marine conservation with sustainable
social goals and economic growth and address our objectives for marine
nature conservation alongside the full range of human activities and demands
that we place on the marine environment.
Defra, 2004 A4 139pp
PB9714 Free
Review of Marine
Nature Conservation: summary of Working Group report to Government
(available on this site)
Defra, 2004 A4 10pp
PB9714a Free
Review of the Rural White Paper - Our countryside: the future (available on this site)
The Rural White Paper set out
the Government’s full rural affairs agenda for the first time. It
was a significant milestone, helping to energise activities in rural areas.
The Rural White Paper Review was commissioned to assess progress, see
whether objectives needed refreshing in the light of wider changes to
the Government’s agenda, and look for ways to accelerate delivery.
Defra, 2004 A4 94pp, illus
PB8662 Free
Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution - report
on chemicals in products
Government response August 2004
Cm 6300
The RCEP's 24th report, Chemicals in products: safeguarding the environment
and human health, was presented to Parliament in June, 2003. It sets
out new approaches to the assessment and management of chemicals, and
argues for better information about chemicals on the market, more intelligent
testing, better use of monitoring, and early and effective action at a
European level and on substitution. The Government's formal response to
the report summarises action being taken and proposed as it relates to
the Royal Commission's recommendations. The response groups the recommendations
thematically to minimise the need for repetition as much as possible.
TSO, 2004 A4 24pp
ISBN 0101630026 £6.65
PB9997
Rural
delivery review: a report on the delivery of government policies in rural
England (available on this site)
[Report by Christopher Haskins]
In November 2002, Margaret Beckett invited Lord Haskins to carry out
an independent review of the arrangements for delivering government rural
polices in England. Lord Haskins’ report was published on 11 November
2003.
Defra, 2003 A4 172pp, figures
PB8856 Free
Securing the benefits: the joint UK response to the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit Net Benefits report on the future of the fishing industry in the UK (available on this site)
Net benefits, the report from the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit, mapped
out the major problems and opportunities that the fishing industry currently
faces. It laid down a challenge to the UK Government, UK Administratins
and all interested parties to work together to find common solutions to
complex problems. This response is presented jointly by the Fisheries
Administrations in teh UK. It reports on progress to date in the intensive
stakeholder engagement that has been set in motion.
Defra, 2005 A4 53pp, figures
PB10900, Free
Securing the benefits: the joint
UK response to the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit Net Benefits report
on the future of the fishing industry in the UK: executive summary
(available on this site)
Defra, 2005 A5 10pp
PB11045, Free
Strategy for England’s Trees, Woods and Forests
The Strategy sets out the Government’s vision for England’s tree and woodland resource, in both rural and urban areas, over the next fifty years. This replaces the 1998 England Forestry Strategy.
Defra, 2007, A4 45pp
PN 12622, Free
Strategy for flood and coastal defence in England and Wales (executive summary available on this site)
Jointly issued by MAFF and the Welsh Office, this strategy document sets
out a comprehensive policy framework for the Ministry, Welsh Office and
relevant authorities to work within while carrying out their responsibilities
for flood and coastal defence. See also: Making space for water: taking forward a new Government strategy
for flood and coastal erosion risk
management in England - first Government response
MAFF, 1993 A4 39pp
PB1471 Free
Strategy for non-food crops and uses: creating value from renewable materials (available on this site)
The long-term vision of this strategy, jointly issued by Defra and DTI,
is that a significant proportion of demand for energy and raw materials
should be met through the commercial exploitation of science from crops,
in a way which stimulates innovation and the rural economy, enhances biodiversity,
reduces greenhouse gas emissions and waste, particularly biodegradable
waste going to landfill, and slows depletion of finite natural resources.
These potential gains are extremely significant, but to realise them a
concerted approach is needed to build the necessary links between science,
agriculture and industry, to disseminate knowledge and encourage changes
both in industrial practice and in society.
Defra, 2004 A4 45pp, illus
PB10188 Free
Strategy for sustainable farming and food - facing the future (available on this site)
In modern times Britain has never been self-sufficient in food production.
After the Second World War boosting food production became a more important
policy goal – sometimes pursued at the expense of the long term sustainability
of the industry and our countryside. But today there is a growing recognition
that change is needed. There is a need for new and better farming practices,
a change in the balance and co-operation across the food chain, real efforts
to protect and enhance the environment. The reform of the CAP sought by
the UK will alone not be enough. The challenge for the industry is how
to create fresh prosperity, how to preserve and enhance our environment
and contribute to stable rural communities. In other words the challenge
is to rebuild a food and farming industry which is sustainable.
Defra, 2002 A4 52pp
PB7751A Free
Strategy for sustainable farming and food - facing the future (available on this site)
A summary leaflet briefly outlining the above strategy.
Defra, 2002 A4 5pp
PB7840 Free
Use of mechanically propelled vehicles on rights of way: the Government's framework for action (available on this site)
This sets out how Defra intends to take forward policy on the use of
mechanically propelled vehicles on public rights of way. It considers
three main areas of policy towards rights of way and motor vehicles.
Defra, 2005 A4 104pp
PB10362 Free
See also: Report of a research project on motor vehicles on byways open to all traffic
Working for the essentials of life
Following the publication of its Aim and Objectives in November 2001,
Defra has produced a prospectus explaining the direction and range of
its work. This document covers the Department's plans for sustainable
development, food and farming, rural communities and reducing and managing
risks.
Defra, 2002 A4 40pp illus
PB6740 Free
Working with the grain of nature: a biodiversity strategy for England (available on this site)
Working with the Grain of Nature: a Biodiversity Strategy for England
was launched on 24 October 2002 at the London Wetland Centre, Barnes by
the Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs. The Strategy seeks to ensure biodiversity considerations
become embedded in all main sectors of public policy and sets out a programme
for the next five years to make the changes necessary to conserve, enhance
and work with the grain of nature and ecosystems rather than against them.
It is a Government strategy, but has been prepared with the active partnership
of a broad range of stakeholders in the public, voluntary and private
sectors.
Defra, 2002 A4 178pp, illus, figures
PB7418 Free
Page last modified: 26 June 2008