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Publications

Agriculture, horticulture & fisheries

See also: Defra work and policy for Departmental report and publications on policy and strategy and
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) PDF files. Further information is available on our Help page about downloading or reading Adobe Acrobat PDF documents.



Agriculture - annual reports and statistics

Agricultural Marketing Schemes report of 2001/02

This annual report, issued jointly by Defra, the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland and the National Assembly of Wales Agricultural Department, is presented pursuant to Section 30 of the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958.
DEFRA, 2002 A4 iv,7pp
PB7503 Free

Also available:

Agricultural Marketing Schemes report of 1994-95
PB2958 Free

Agricultural Marketing Schemes report of 1992-93
PB2032 £3.25


Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2006 New, published March 2007 (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) pdf logo 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 (latest edition, 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 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 in hard copy:

Farm incomes in the United Kingdom 1996/97
TSO, 1998
ISBN 0112430384 £30.00

Farm incomes in the United Kingdom 1995/96
ISBN 0112430260 £29.00

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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 2000
TSO, 2002 A5 33pp
ISBN 011243066X £19

Also available:

Report on wages in agriculture 1999
ISBN 0112430619 £15.00

Report on wages in agriculture 1998
ISBN 0112430546 £11.00

Report on wages in agriculture 1997
ISBN 0112430473 £6.50

Report on wages in agriculture 1996
ISBN 0112430376 £6.50

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

A guide to some aspects of the Working Time Regulations for those engaged in agriculture

Provides guidance on the application of some aspects of the Working Time Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/1833) in relation to people employed to undertake agricultural work.
MAFF, 1998 A5 12pp
PB3936 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

A guide to the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995

The Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 differs in several important respects from previous agricultural holdings legislation. This booklet gives a general guide to the main provisions of the Act.
MAFF, 1995 A5 24pp
PB2250 Free

CAP reform - Single Payment Scheme

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 - available on this site

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 - available on this site

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 - available on this site
Defra, 2004 A4 28pp
PB9937 Free

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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 2006
ISBN 978 0955256912, £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 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: explanatory booklet (available on this site)

The purpose of this scheme, launched in October 2004, is to provide grants to farmers, foresters and businesses to help develop the supply chain required to harvest, store, process and supply biomass to heat, combined heat and power, and electricity end-users.
Defra, 2004 A4 62pp
PB10175 Free

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

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Farm saved seed: a farmer's guide to the new European Union Regulation

A European Council regulation on Community plant variety rights entered into force on 27 April 1995. Its purpose is to enable plant breeders to exercise rights throughout the whole European Union and receive payment for varieties they have bred, including their use as farm-saved seed. This leaflet answers the main questions relating to how the regulation will be applied to farm-saved seed.
MAFF, 1995 1/3 A4
PB2270 Free

Farm saved seed: answers to further questions

Gives more detailed information on this subject for those who need it.
MAFF, 1995 A5 8pp
PB2293 Free

Integrated farming: agricultural research into practice
A report from the Integrated Arable Crop Production Alliance (IACPA)

Integrated crop management (ICM) is increasingly being promoted as the best means of combining efficient, profitable production with greater environmental responsibility and safety at the farm level. Seven leading UK organisations are carrying out MAFF-funded research into integrated farming and ICM in arable crops; these organisations are: Less Intensive Farming and the Environment (LIFE); LINK:IFS (Integrated Farming Systems); Focus on Farming Practice (FOFP); Rhone Poulenc Management Study (RPMS); Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF); Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) and Targeted Inputs for a Better Rural Environment (TIBRE).
MAFF, 1998 A4, illus
PB3618 Free

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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

Don't import disease: advice on importing live fish and shellfish and EU regulations
MAFF, 1995 1/3 A4 6pp
PB2251 Free

[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

Keep fish disease out: a guide to protecting freshwater fish stocks from Gyrodactylosis salaris.
Defra, 2003 A5, 6pp, illus
PB7838A Free. Also available: English/Welsh version PB7838B

Keep fish diseases out: a guide to protecting freshwater fish stocks from gyrodactylosis and other fish diseases
MAFF, 1998 9pp (folded leaflet), illus
PB3479 Free

Keep the lid on crayfish

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

Salmon Advisory Committee reports

The Salmon Advisory Committee was established by Fisheries Ministers in 1986. Its terms of reference are "to examine and report on those matters relating to the conservation and development of salmon fisheries which are referred to it by Fisheries Ministers".
(N.B. A separate order form (PB1346) is available for ordering these reports.)

The anti-poaching measures contained in the Salmon Act 1986
MAFF, 1996 A4 56pp
PB2515 £5.00 (includes postage and packing)

Assessment of stocking as a salmon management strategy
MAFF, 1991 A4 18pp
PB0641 £2.50 (includes postage and packing)

The effects of fishing at low water levels
MAFF, 1990 A4 20pp
PB0176 O/P

The effects of predation on salmon fisheries
MAFF, 1996 A4 66pp
PB2514 £5.00 (includes postage and packing)

Factors affecting emigrating smolts and returning adults
MAFF, 1993 A4 39pp
PB1270 O/P

Factors affecting natural smolt production
MAFF, 1991 A4 55pp
PB0535 £4.95 (includes postage and packing)

Information on the status of salmon stocks
MAFF, 1988 A4 30pp
PB2021 O/P

Run timing of salmon
MAFF, 1994 A4 57pp
PB1797 £5.95 (includes postage and packing)


Spring Viraemia of Carp
MAFF, 1998 8pp (folded leaflet), illus
PB3861 Free


United Kingdom Sea Fisheries Statistics

United Kingdom sea fisheries statistics 2005 new - added November 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

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Livestock farming

Beef production systems to enable cattle to be finished by 30 months of age

Written by ADAS beef specialists for MAFF, this booklet is aimed at all beef producers in the wake of the BSE crisis and the subsequent requirement for some producers to finish their cattle before 30 months of age. It is particularly aimed at those who have traditionally finished older cattle because they have more extensive systems or have been involved in finishing traditional British breeds.
MAFF, 1996 A4 5pp
PB2758 Free

Prediction of energy values of compound feeding stuffs for farm animals: a guide for farmers
MAFF, 1993 1/3rd A4 6pp
PB1272 Free

Prediction of the energy values of compound feeding stuffs for farm animals: summary of the recommendations of a working party sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Summarises recommendations of the Metabolisable Energy Working Party. Provides an updated equation for the prediction of Metabolisable Energy (ME) in compound feed for ruminants, the Digestible Energy (DE) of pig feeds and the ME of poultry feed. Also gives an explanation of how energy value declarations relate to GB law.
MAFF, 1993 A4 17pp
PB1285 Free

UK country report on farm animal genetic resources 2002 pdf file (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 Free

Your livestock and your landscape: a guide to the environmental conditions attached to livestock subsidy schemes

Explains how MAFF will implement the environmental conditions attached to livestock subsidy schemes. Also gives advice to farmers on how to identify and avoid overgrazing in areas important to wildlife and how to avoid unsuitable supplementary feeding practices.
MAFF, 1996 A5 12pp illus
PB2188 Free

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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

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Plant health

N.B. Many of the publications listed here are available on the Plant Health section of this site.

(See also posters, below)


Diagnosis of mineral disorders in plants (Vols 1-3, HMSO, 1983-1987)

This three-volume set is now out of print.

Importing invertebrates

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)

Camellia flower blight
MAFF, 1999 A4 2pp
PB4223A Free
A3 poster PB4223 Free

Chrysanthemum stunt viroid
MAFF, 2000 A4 2pp
PB5188 Free
A3 poster PB5187 Free

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

Grape phylloxera
MAFF, 1997 A4 2pp
PB3044(c) Free
A3 poster PB3043(a) Free

Gypsy moth
MAFF, 1997 A5 2pp illus
PB2689 Free
A3 poster PB2689A Free

Helicoverpa spp.
MAFF, 2000 A4 2pp
PB5190 Free
A3 poster PB5189 Free

Karnal bunt
Defra 2005 A4 2pp illus
PB10632 Free

Liriomyza leafminers
MAFF, 1997 A4 2pp
PB3044(b) Free
A3 poster PB4643 Free

Meloidogyne chitwoodi (the Columbia root-knot nematode)
and Meloidogyne fallax
Defra, 2002 A4 2pp
PB6882 Free
A3 poster PB6881 Free

 

Pepino mosaic virus
MAFF, 2000 A4 2pp
PB5186 Free
A3 poster PB5185 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

Plum pox
MAFF, 1995 A4 2pp
PB2253 Free
A3 poster PB2248 Free

Potato spindle tuber viroid
Defra, 2003 A4 2pp
PB8158 Free
A3 poster PB8157 Free

Potato wart disease
MAFF, 1998 A4 2pp
PB2623(b) Free
A3 poster PB3623(a) Free

Rhizomania
MAFF, 1996 A4 2pp
PB2744 Free
A3 poster PB2743 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

Spodoptera species
MAFF, 1999 A4 2pp
PB4641(a) Free
A3 poster PB4641 Free

Stem nematode on narcissus and tulip
MAFF, 1998 A4 2pp
PB3941(b) Free
A3 poster PB3941(a) Free

Strawberry black spot
MAFF, 1998 A4 2pp
PB3595(b) Free
A3 poster PB3595(a) Free

Thrips palmi: the palm thrips
MAFF, 1998 A4 2pp
PB3594(b) Free
A3 poster PB3594(a) 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 physiological disorders

A handbook for advisers, farmers and growers, outlining the occurrence and importance of each disorder, then describing both the symptoms and the factors causing or influencing the problem.
MAFF Reference Book 223
HMSO, 1985 84pp illus
ISBN 0112427073 £9.00

Potato cyst nematode: a management guide

Provides key information to help potato growers and their consultants to manage potato cyst nematodes (PCN or "eelworm") by using integrated control strategies.
MAFF, 1999 A4 31pp
PB4731 Free

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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

The travel bug can be contagious!

Now out of print

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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

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Water resources

Good irrigation practice: making every drop count when there is not enough to go round

This leaflet provides advice on appropriate actions when irrigation restrictions are enforced during the growing season. There may be times, particularly in very dry years, when water for irrigation may be in short supply. This may either be due to sources drying up, or restrictions imposed by the Environment Agency on the amount that can be abstracted.
MAFF,1996 4pp folded leaflet
PB2513 Free

Irrigation scheduling: uses and techniques

Irrigation is a valuable operation in modern crop production where yield, quality and continuity of supply are increasingly important. This leaflet aims to give an insight into the processes which control water uptake and loss by plants, and review the various methods which can be used to plan applications of irrigation.
MAFF, 1996 A4 10pp
PB2511 Free

Irrigation water assessment and management plan: efficient use of irrigation water

This booklet was prepared by ADAS, Gleadthorpe Grange in association with the Water Resources Liaison Group. The group, formed in 1993, includes representatives from the Environment Agency, National Farmers Union, Country Landowners Association, United Kingdom Irrigation Association, MAFF, DETR and ADAS, and provides a forum for exchange of views on water resource issues affecting agriculture in England.
MAFF, 1999 A4 24pp
PB3935 Free

Winter storage reservoirs: getting control over your water resource

Winter storage reservoirs for irrigation can be an asset for farmers if they are well-planned and constructed and provide sufficient water to meet needs at an economically viable level.
MAFF, 1996 A5 5pp illus
PB2512 Free

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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
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) PDF files. Further information is available on our Help page about downloading or reading Adobe Acrobat PDF documents.

 

Page last modified: 19 April 2007

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs