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[[Image:DefraLogo.gif|right|140px]]
[[Image:DefraLogo.gif|right|140px]]
The '''Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs''' (Defra)  is the government department responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, [[agriculture]], [[fisheries]] and rural communities in the [[United Kingdom]]. Formal agreements<ref>'''Note:''' The formal agreements are referred to as "Concordats".</ref> also establish the  frameworks for co-operation between Defra and the [[Scottish Government]],<ref>[http://archive.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/with/devolve/scotland.htm Main Concordat between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Scottish Executive]</ref> the Cabinet of the [[National Assembly for Wales]]<ref>[http://archive.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/with/devolve/wales.htm Concordat between MAFF and the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales]</ref> and with representatives from the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]],<ref>[http://archive.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/with/devolve/fisheries.htm Subject specific Concordat between MAFF and the Scottish Executive on fisheries]</ref> which have delegated responsibilities for these matters in their respective nations.


The '''UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs''' ('''Defra''') is the governmental department responsible for protection of the [[Environment (natural)|environment]], food production and standards, [[agriculture]], [[fisheries]] and rural matters in the [[United Kingdom]] (UK). Agreements (called ''concordats'') define the frameworks for co-operation between Defra and the [[Scottish Government]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/devolve/concord.htm|title=Concordat between MAFF and the Scottish Executive}}</ref> the [[National Assembly for Wales]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/devolve/walesconc.htm|title=Concordat between MAFF and the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales}}</ref> and the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]], each of whom have certain responsibilities for these matters in their respective nations.  
Defra is also responsible for representing the UK at the [[European Union]] on agricultural, fisheries and environment matters and in other international negotiations on sustainable development and climate change, although a new [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]] was created in 2008 to take over this responsibility.


Defra represents the UK at the [[European Union]] (EU) on agricultural, fisheries and environment matters. It also represents the UK in international negotiations on [[sustainable development]].  
The headquarters of Defra are located at Nobel House in Smith Square, London, England.


The department's main headquarters is located in [[Smith Square]], [[London]].
==History==
Defra was formed in June 2001 when the [[Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food]] (MAFF) was merged with part of  the [[Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions]] (DETR) and with a small part of the [[Home Office]]. The department was created after the perceived failure of MAFF to deal adequately with the 2001 outbreak of [[Foot and Mouth disease]].  


==History ==
The Department had about 10,479 personnel as of January 2010.<ref>[http://archive.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/reports/documents/2009-deptreport.pdf Defra Departmental Report 2009] (see Table 6 on page 228)</ref>


Defra was formed in June 2001 when the [[Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food]] (MAFF) was merged with part of the [[Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions]] (DETR) and with a small part of the [[Home Office]]. The department was created after the perceived failure of MAFF to deal adequately with the outbreak of [[Foot and Mouth disease]] in 2001. As of 2009, Defra had about 10,500 total staff.<ref>[http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/deprep/2009/2009-deptreport.pdf Departmental Report 2009] Table 6 on PDF page 222 of 228 PDF pages.</ref>
In October 2008, the climate team at Defra was merged with the energy team from the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to create the [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]].<ref name="Marrying energy demand and supply">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7651795.stm|title= Marrying energy demand and supply |date=3 October 2008|work=BBC News}}</ref>


In October 2008, the [[climate]] group from Defra was merged with the energy group from the [[Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform ]] (BERR) to create the [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]].<ref name="Marrying energy demand and supply">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7651795.stm|title= Marrying energy demand and supply|last=Harrabin  |first=Roger |date=3 October 2008|work=BBC News|accessdate=2009-05-22}}</ref>
==Responsibilities==
Defra is responsible for the UK Government's  policy in the following areas:<ref>[http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/416777/lmr100701.pdf List of Ministerial Responsibilities, July 2010] (see pages 28-39)</ref>
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break|width=25%}}
* [[Agriculture]]
* [[Air quality]]
* [[Animal health]] and welfare
* [[Biodiversity]]
* [[Conservation]]
* [[Chemical]]s and [[pesticide]]s
* [[Fisheries]]
{{col-break|width=25%}}
* [[Flooding]]
* [[Food]]
* [[Forestry]]
* [[Hunting]]
* [[Inland waterways]]
* [[Land management]]
* [[Marine]] policy
{{col-break}}
* [[National parks]]
* [[Noise]]
* [[Plant health]]
* [[Rural development]]
* [[Sustainable development]]
* [[Waste management]]
* [[Water management]]
{{col-end}}


==Organization==
==Organization==
 
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with the assistance of the Minister of State for Food, Farming and Environment, has the overall leadership responsibility for all aspects of Defra.<ref>[http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/who/ministers/ Ministers]</ref>
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with the assistance of the Minister of State for Food, Farming and Environment, has the overall leadership responsibility for all aspects of Defra.<ref name=Who>[http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/who-are-we/index.htm Who are we?] (from the Defra website)</ref>


The day-to-day executive management of the department is provided by:
The day-to-day executive management of the department is provided by:


* '''''The Permanent Secretary''''': Responsible for the overall organization, management and staffing of the department as well as for all financial and other procedures. Also chairs a Management Board comprised of:<ref name=Who/>
* '''''The Permanent Secretary''''': Responsible for the overall organization, management and staffing of the department as well as for all financial and other procedures. Also chairs a Supervisory Board comprised of:<ref>[http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/who/management/ Defra&#39;s Supervisory Board]</ref>
** '''''Director General:''''' Chair of the Central Approvals Panel
** '''''Director General:''''' Chair of the Central Approvals Panel
** '''''Director General:''''' Strategy and Evidence Group
** '''''Director General:''''' Strategy and Evidence Group
** '''''Director General:''''' Food and Farming Group
** '''''Director General:''''' Food and Farming Group
** '''''Director General:''''' Natural Environment Group
** '''''Director General:''''' Environment and Rural Group
** '''''Director General:''''' Law, Human Resources and Corporate Services
** '''''Chief Scientific Advisor:''''' Provides ministers with the best possible scientific advice. Assures that science and technology are used to inform policy. Also supports the UK Government&rsquo;s scientific work on minimising the effects of climate change and improving sustainability by promoting consistency across Defra and working together with other government departments.<ref>[http://www.defra.gov.uk/evidence/science/chief-adviser/ Defra&#39;s Chief Scientific Advisor.]</ref> Assisted by a Science Advisory Council (SAC) consisting of a chairperson and seven members, all of whom are professors in various UK universities.
** '''''Chief Scientific Advisor'''''


==Executive agencies==
==Executive agencies==
The executive agencies within Defra are:<ref>[http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/416777/lmr100701.pdf List of Ministerial Responsibilities, July 2010] (see page 30)</ref>


Executive agencies are public bodies that deliver government services for the United Kingdom government, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government or the Northern Ireland Executive.<ref>[http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Centralgovernmentandthemonarchy/DG_073446 Government departments and agencies]</ref>
* [[Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency]]  
 
* [[Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science]]
An executive agency does not set the policy required to carry out its functions - these are determined by the department that oversees the agency. Each executive agency is headed by a chief executive who is responsible for the agency's day-to-day operations.
* [[Food and Environment Research Agency]]
 
* [[Rural Payments Agency]]
The executive agencies that deliver services for Defra are:<ref name=Network>[http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/delivery/landscape/pdf/defra-network-landscape.pdf The Defra Network]</ref>
* [[Veterinary Medicines Directorate]]
:* [[Animal Health]]<ref>Formerly the ''State Veterinary Service''</ref>
:* [[Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science]]
:* [[Food and Environment Research Agency]]<ref>Formerly the ''Central Science Laboratory''</ref>
:* [[Marine and Fisheries Agency]]
:* [[Rural Payments Agency]]
:* [[Veterinary Laboratories Agency]]
:* [[Veterinary Medicines Directorate]]


==Key delivery partners==
==Key delivery partners==
The key delivery partners are:


Delivery partners are non-departmental public bodies, public corporations and others who also provide delivery services for Defra. The key delivery partners are:<ref name=Network/>
* [[British Waterways]]
:* [[British Waterways]]
* [[Covent Garden Market Authority]]
:* [[Environment Agency]]
* [[Environment Agency]]
:* [[Forestry Commission]]
* [[Forestry Commission]]
:* [[National Parks Authorities]]]
* [[Natural England]]
:* [[Natural England]]<ref> formerly ''English Nature'' and elements of the ''Countryside Agency'' and the ''Rural Development Service''.</ref><ref>[http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/press/releases2006/111006.htm ''New champion for the environment launches''], press release by Natural England, 11 October 2006 (from the Natural England website)</ref>
* [[Marine Management Organisation]]
 
* [[Sea Fish Authority]]
A full list of all the departmental delivery partners is available on the Defra website.<ref name=Network/>
 
==Priorities and objectives==


The primary mission of Defra is to secure a healthy environment and help the people of the UK to adapt to the changes involved in building a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy so that current and future generations can prosper.<ref name=What>[http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/what-do-we-do/index.htm What do we do?] (from the Defra website)</ref>
A full list of departmental delivery and public bodies may be found on the Defra website.<ref>[http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/marine/wwo/ Defra&#39;s Delivery partners and research centres.]</ref>


Under its primary mission, Defra has three strategic priorities:<ref name=What/>
==Defra in the English regions==
Policies for environment, food and rural affairs are delivered in the English regions<ref>'''Note:'''  There are nine [[Regions of England|English Regions]], which are the highest level of sub-national governmental entities in England. The nine regions are: Greater London, North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East, South East and South West.</ref> by Defra's executive agencies and delivery bodies, in particular [[Natural England]], the [[Rural Payments Agency]], [[Animal Health]] and the [[Marine Management Organisation]].


:* Secure a healthy [[natural environment]] for us all and deal with environmental risks.
Defra provides grant aid to the following flood and coastal erosion risk management operating authorities:
:* Promote a sustainable, low-carbon and resource-efficient economy.
* [[Environment Agency]]
:* Ensure a thriving farming sector and a sustainable, healthy and secure food supply.
* [[Internal Drainage Boards]]
* [[Local government in England|Local authorities]]


Defra has nine objectives that cover all areas of its responsibilities and are essential to achieving its primary mission and strategic priorities:<ref name=What/>
==Aim and strategic priorities==
Defra's primary aim is sustainable development, which is defined as "development which enables all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations."


:*A society that is adapting to the effects of [[climate change]], through a national program of action and a contribution to international action.
Under this primary aim, Defra has five strategic priorities:<ref>[http://archive.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/reports/documents/5year-strategy.pdf Delivering the Essentials of Life, Defra&rsquo;s Five Year Strategy (see Annex B).] Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, December 2004</ref>
:*A healthy, resilient, productive and diverse natural environment.
* Climate change and energy.
:*Sustainable, low carbon and resource efficient patterns of consumption and production.
* Sustainable consumption and production, including responsibility for the [[National Waste Strategy]].
:*An economy and a society that are resilient to environmental risk.
* Protecting the countryside and natural resource protection.
:*Championing sustainable development.
* Sustainable rural communities.
:*A thriving farming and food sector with an improving net environmental impact.
* A sustainable farming and food sector including animal health and welfare.
:*A sustainable, secure and healthy food supply.
:*Socially and economically sustainable rural communities.
:*A respected department delivering efficient and high quality services and outcomes.


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

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The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the government department responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries and rural communities in the United Kingdom. Formal agreements[1] also establish the frameworks for co-operation between Defra and the Scottish Government,[2] the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales[3] and with representatives from the Northern Ireland Assembly,[4] which have delegated responsibilities for these matters in their respective nations.

Defra is also responsible for representing the UK at the European Union on agricultural, fisheries and environment matters and in other international negotiations on sustainable development and climate change, although a new Department of Energy and Climate Change was created in 2008 to take over this responsibility.

The headquarters of Defra are located at Nobel House in Smith Square, London, England.

History

Defra was formed in June 2001 when the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) was merged with part of the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and with a small part of the Home Office. The department was created after the perceived failure of MAFF to deal adequately with the 2001 outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease.

The Department had about 10,479 personnel as of January 2010.[5]

In October 2008, the climate team at Defra was merged with the energy team from the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to create the Department of Energy and Climate Change.[6]

Responsibilities

Defra is responsible for the UK Government's policy in the following areas:[7]

Organization

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with the assistance of the Minister of State for Food, Farming and Environment, has the overall leadership responsibility for all aspects of Defra.[8]

The day-to-day executive management of the department is provided by:

  • The Permanent Secretary: Responsible for the overall organization, management and staffing of the department as well as for all financial and other procedures. Also chairs a Supervisory Board comprised of:[9]
    • Director General: Chair of the Central Approvals Panel
    • Director General: Strategy and Evidence Group
    • Director General: Food and Farming Group
    • Director General: Environment and Rural Group
    • Chief Scientific Advisor: Provides ministers with the best possible scientific advice. Assures that science and technology are used to inform policy. Also supports the UK Government’s scientific work on minimising the effects of climate change and improving sustainability by promoting consistency across Defra and working together with other government departments.[10] Assisted by a Science Advisory Council (SAC) consisting of a chairperson and seven members, all of whom are professors in various UK universities.

Executive agencies

The executive agencies within Defra are:[11]

Key delivery partners

The key delivery partners are:

A full list of departmental delivery and public bodies may be found on the Defra website.[12]

Defra in the English regions

Policies for environment, food and rural affairs are delivered in the English regions[13] by Defra's executive agencies and delivery bodies, in particular Natural England, the Rural Payments Agency, Animal Health and the Marine Management Organisation.

Defra provides grant aid to the following flood and coastal erosion risk management operating authorities:

Aim and strategic priorities

Defra's primary aim is sustainable development, which is defined as "development which enables all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations."

Under this primary aim, Defra has five strategic priorities:[14]

  • Climate change and energy.
  • Sustainable consumption and production, including responsibility for the National Waste Strategy.
  • Protecting the countryside and natural resource protection.
  • Sustainable rural communities.
  • A sustainable farming and food sector including animal health and welfare.

References

  1. ↑ Note: The formal agreements are referred to as "Concordats".
  2. ↑ Main Concordat between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Scottish Executive
  3. ↑ Concordat between MAFF and the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales
  4. ↑ Subject specific Concordat between MAFF and the Scottish Executive on fisheries
  5. ↑ Defra Departmental Report 2009 (see Table 6 on page 228)
  6. ↑ Marrying energy demand and supply, BBC News, 3 October 2008.
  7. ↑ List of Ministerial Responsibilities, July 2010 (see pages 28-39)
  8. ↑ Ministers
  9. ↑ Defra's Supervisory Board
  10. ↑ Defra's Chief Scientific Advisor.
  11. ↑ List of Ministerial Responsibilities, July 2010 (see page 30)
  12. ↑ Defra's Delivery partners and research centres.
  13. ↑ Note: There are nine English Regions, which are the highest level of sub-national governmental entities in England. The nine regions are: Greater London, North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East, South East and South West.
  14. ↑ Delivering the Essentials of Life, Defra’s Five Year Strategy (see Annex B). Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, December 2004
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