Defra: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Location: Defra is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. As a crucial governmental department, it oversees various aspects related to the environment, agriculture, and rural affairs within the UK.
Financial Indicators
Budget: As a government department, Defra's budget is allocated by the UK government. In recent years, the department's annual budget has been in the range of £2 billion to £3 billion. This budget supports environmental and agricultural initiatives, with exact figures subject to government policies and priorities.
Significant Events
Recently, Defra published a risk assessment on the 'silent spread' potential of a new disease, highlighting the importance of vigilance in managing agricultural and environmental threats. This underscores its role in safeguarding public health and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, Defra funds the Dairy Carbon Network initiative, aimed at reducing emissions in UK dairy farms.
Management and Leadership
Defra is led by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a senior member of the UK cabinet. The Secretary of State is supported by various ministers and senior civil servants who manage specific areas such as animal welfare, environmental protection, and food standards.
Future Plans
Defra aims to continue promoting sustainability, enhancing food security, and addressing environmental challenges. Future plans may include new initiatives to combat climate change, improve agricultural resilience, and protect biodiversity, aligning with broader UK government policies. Defra is also offering derogations for the use of conventional forage under specific conditions and urging farmers to pre-emptively secure alternatives like root crops to mitigate crises.
Modified: 2025/10/12