The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is a government department in the UK.

We cover – we make policy and legislation, and work with others to deliver our policies in - areas such as:

• the natural environment, biodiversity, plants and animals
• sustainable development and the green economy
• food, farming and fisheries
• animal health and welfare
• environmental protection and pollution control
• rural communities and issues.

Although we only work directly in England, we work closely with the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and we generally lead on negotiations in the EU and internationally.

• Read more about the department, including key facts and figures
• Read more about our priorities and objectives

The Government believes that we need to protect the environment for future generations, make our economy more environmentally sustainable, and improve our quality of life and well-being. We also believe that much more needs to be done to support the farming industry, protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable food production.

Recent publications

• Defra response to the Independent review of the evidence process for selecting marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)

• Social Impacts and Wellbeing: multi-criteria analysis techniques for integrating non-monetary evidence in valuation and appraisal

• Flood risk and insurance: A roadmap to 2013 and beyond

• Statistical Digest of the English Uplands 2011

• Water for life – market reform proposals

• The independent review of charging for household water and sewerage services (Walker review)

• Competition and innovation in the water markets (Cave review)

• Livestock – TSE and Animal By Products Evidence Plan 2011/12

• Science Advisory Panel assessment of the Marine Conservation Zone Regional Project Final Recommendations

• Farm and forestry improvement scheme (FFIS) guidance document

All ‘About Defra’ publications