This snapshot taken on 30/12/2008, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) central purpose is to help build a low carbon, resource efficient economy, and help people to adapt to changes. Defra defends them from environmental risks and makes the most of the opportunity we now have to secure a sustainable society and a healthy environment. Defra's main tasks are to secure a healthy environment for us all and defend against environmental risks; promote an economy that produces less carbon, and uses resources more efficiently; and ensure a thriving farming sector and a sustainable, healthy and secure food supply.
Defra is working towards achieving a society adapted to the effects of climate change, through domestic and international action; a healthy, resilient, productive and diverse natural environment; sustainable, low-carbon and resource efficient patterns of consumption and production; an economy and society resilient to environmental risk; a thriving farming and food sector with an improving net environmental impact; sustainable development championed across government, across the UK, and internationally; strong rural communities; a sustainable, secure and healthy food supply; and aims to be a respected department delivering efficient and high quality services and outcomes.
Leads on:
Leads on:
Private Office to Jane Kennedy
Leads on:
Also Minister of State at the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Leads on:
Private Office to Huw Irranca-Davies
Animal Health (AH) is principally responsible for ensuring that farmed animals in England, Scotland and Wales are healthy, disease-free and well looked after. Animal Health manages the field response to outbreaks of notifiable animal disease, including Foot and Mouth and Avian Flu. AH came into being on 1 April 2007, following the merger of the State Veterinary Service (SVS), Dairy Hygiene Inspectorate, Egg Marketing Inspectorate and the Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service (part of implementing the Hampton recommendations). AH is sponsored by and works on behalf of, Defra, the Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly Government in implementing animal health and welfare policies, and for the Food Standards Agency to ensure dairy hygiene and egg production standards are met.
The Centre for Environment, Food and Aquaculture Science provides scientific and technical support, consultancy and advice, to Defra and other customers, in the fields of fisheries' science and management, environmental assessment, aquaculture and fish health.
The Centre for Environment, Food and Aquaculture Science provides scientific and technical support, consultancy and advice, to Defra and other customers, in the fields of fisheries' science and management, environmental assessment, aquaculture and fish health.
The Government Decontamination Service has been set up to provide expert advice and guidance on decontamination and to streamline the UK's ability to decontaminate buildings and the environment after a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident.
The Marine and Fisheries Agency carries out the inspection and enforcement work previously undertaken by Defra's Sea Fisheries Inspectorate. The agency is also responsible for fishing vessel licensing, quota management and grant schemes, as well as marketing and trade matters.
The Rural Payments Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. RPA is the UK Funding Body responsible for funding the CAP schemes administered by all the UK paying agencies and has responsibility for the receipt and administration of monies from the Guarantee Section of the European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF), provision of operational advice in support of policy formation.
The Rural Payments Agency includes the former Intervention Board and MAFF Regional Service Centres. The Agency will make certain payments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on behalf of the devolved administrations.
The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) safeguards public and animal health through world class veterinary research and surveillance of farmed livestock and wildlife.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is responsible for protecting public health, animal health, the environment and promoting animal welfare by assuring the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines in the United Kingdom.
Certain enforcement and food safety matters devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.