Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is the UK Government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy.
Defra is a ministerial department, supported by 33 agencies and public bodies[1].
Purpose and Priorities
The purpose of DEFRA is to 'make our air purer, our water cleaner, our land greener, and our food more sustainable' [1]
The priority outcomes of of DEFRA are:
- improve the environment through cleaner air and water, minimised waste, and thriving plant and terrestrial and marine wildlife
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon storage in the agricultural, waste, peat and tree planting sectors to help deliver net zero
- reduce the likelihood and impact of flooding and coastal erosion on people, businesses, communities and the environment
- increase the sustainability, productivity and resilience of the agriculture, fishing, food and drink sectors, enhance biosecurity at the border and raise animal welfare standards[1]
DEFRA were responsible for the 2018 Resource and Waste Strategy[2].
