Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)
Defra, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pivotal governmental department responsible for overseeing various aspects related to the environment, agriculture, and rural affairs within the UK.
Financial Indicators
As a government department, Defra's budget is allocated by the UK government. In recent years, the department's annual budget has ranged from £2 billion to £3 billion. This funding supports a wide array of environmental and agricultural initiatives, with exact figures subject to government policies and priorities.
Significant Events
Defra recently published a risk assessment on the 'silent spread' potential of a new disease, highlighting its crucial role in managing agricultural and environmental threats. This publication underscores Defra's commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, Defra funds the Dairy Carbon Network initiative, which aims to reduce emissions in UK dairy farms.
Management and Leadership
The department 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. These efforts align with broader UK government policies. Defra is also offering derogations for the use of conventional forage under specific conditions and urging farmers to secure alternatives like root crops to mitigate crises.
A spokesperson from Defra reiterated the government's support for fair supply chains and transparent contracts, asserting that new regulations ensure clarity for farmers regarding price determinations. Furthermore, Defra's Farming Innovation Programme is investigating biological alternatives to synthetic nitrogen fertilizer as part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in the UK.
Modified: 2026/02/20