Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Steve Barclay Official Cabinet Portrait, November 2023 (cropped)

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is a department of the United Kingdom government responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries and rural communities in the UK. Established in June 2001, following the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' environmental protection functions, DEFRA works towards a sustainable future by balancing economic growth with the protection of the natural environment.

History

The creation of DEFRA marked a significant shift in government policy, reflecting the increasing importance of environmental issues at the beginning of the 21st century. The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in 2001, which led to the destruction of millions of farm animals and significant economic loss, underscored the need for a more integrated approach to rural affairs, leading to the department's formation.

Responsibilities

DEFRA's responsibilities are wide-ranging and include:

• Environmental Protection: Implementing policies to protect and improve the environment, including air and water quality, and waste management.
• Agriculture: Supporting the agricultural sector through policy-making, subsidies, and regulation to ensure food security and sustainability.
• Fisheries: Managing fish stocks and regulating the fishing industry to promote sustainable practices.
• Rural Communities: Supporting rural economies and communities, including the development of rural broadband and public services.
• Food Standards: Ensuring the safety and quality of food in the UK, including animal health and welfare.

Structure

DEFRA is headed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, supported by ministers responsible for various aspects of the department's portfolio. The department works closely with a number of agencies and public bodies, including the Environment Agency, Natural England, and the Rural Payments Agency.

Challenges and Criticisms

DEFRA faces numerous challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need to support sustainable agriculture while maintaining food security. The department has been criticized for its handling of various issues, including flood management and disease outbreaks in livestock. Brexit has also posed significant challenges for DEFRA, requiring the department to develop new policies and regulations to replace EU legislation.

Future Directions

Looking forward, DEFRA aims to continue its work on environmental protection and sustainability, with a focus on the UK's 25 Year Environment Plan and the Agriculture Bill, which sets out how farmers and land managers will in future be supported. The department is also involved in the government's commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and plays a key role in international environmental negotiations.