We are the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs does not have Bills currently before Parliament
A Bill to make provision about the regulation, governance and special administration of water companies.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 24th February 2025 and was enacted into law.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
In modern society, we believe more consideration needs to be given to animal welfare and how livestock is treated and culled.
We believe non-stun slaughter is barbaric and doesn't fit in with our culture and modern-day values and should be banned, as some EU nations have done.
End the use of cages and crates for all farmed animals
Gov Responded - 17 Feb 2025 Debated on - 16 Jun 2025We think the UK Government must ban all cages for laying hens as soon as possible.
We think it should also ban the use of all cage and crates for all farmed animals including:
• farrowing crates for sows
• individual calf pens
• cages for other birds, including partridges, pheasants and quail
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
Evidence shows that burning is damaging to peatlands and can increase their long-term vulnerability to wildfires. The amendments to The Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021 significantly increase the area of peatland protected, helping to reduce the impacts of wildfire in the future.
The Government’s full response to the public consultation, which includes sections on wildfire and peat depth, can be found here - Summary of responses and government response - GOV.UK.
The Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses (England) Regulations 2018 came into force in May 2018, with a transition period of six months for implementation. Since November 2018 all slaughterhouses in England have been required to have CCTV recording in all areas where live animals are present.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) monitor and enforce animal welfare legislation in approved slaughterhouses and confirmed that all slaughterhouses in England were fully compliant with the CCTV Regulations early in 2019.
Official Veterinarians of the FSA carry out daily reviews of CCTV footage and monitor compliance with the CCTV Regulations. If non-compliances are identified, appropriate and proportionate enforcement action is taken. The FSA also carries out a rigorous programme of audits in approved slaughterhouses which include examining CCTV systems.
The Government welcomes the work of the Rural England CIC and Professor Martin Phillips on their fourth State of Rural Services report. This important research underlines the importance of our commitment to improve the provision of services for rural communities going forward, including healthcare and education.
Defra is aware of the Office for National Statistics' quarterly business openings and closures data. There are many factors unrelated to government policy that might explain why businesses would be shown as "closing" in the data source, including purely statistical factors.
Defra monitors data on the number of farm businesses registered with Defra for England published here Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June - GOV.UK.
This Government is committed to supporting economic growth. We continue to work closely with our agriculture, fishing, seafood and forestry sectors to ensure they are vibrant, profitable, and sustainable.
Defra is aware of the Office for National Statistics' quarterly business openings and closures data. There are many factors unrelated to government policy that might explain why businesses would be shown as "closing" in the data source, including purely statistical factors.
Defra monitors data on the number of farm businesses registered with Defra for England published here Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June - GOV.UK.
This Government is committed to supporting economic growth. We continue to work closely with our agriculture, fishing, seafood and forestry sectors to ensure they are vibrant, profitable, and sustainable.
The Government has allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament. This includes increasing spend on Environmental Land Management schemes to £2bn by 28/29. Customers with Countryside Stewardship Higher-Tier agri-environment agreements expiring in 2024 were offered an extension to provide them with continuity of funding. Additionally, Countryside Stewardship Higher-Tier agri-environment customers whose agreements expire at the end of 2025 are now being prioritised for pre-application advice to develop a new Countryside Stewardship Higher-Tier agreement. Existing CS HT woodland customers may also be able to develop a new Woodland Management Plan ahead of accessing pre-application support for a new Countryside Stewardship Higher-Tier agreement, but this will depend upon individual circumstances.
We are aware of the concerns raised by farmers and stakeholders regarding farmers whose current Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier agreements expire at the end of the year, and we are considering how we can support continued delivery of environmental outcomes.
Encouraging more young people into farming and land-based careers is vital to ensure a skilled workforce is in place and the longer-term viability of the sector.
Defra works closely with The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) which is encouraging young people and new entrants into farming in its capacity as an industry led professional body for the farming industry. This includes leading a cross-industry initiative to address common negative misconceptions about the sector and providing free TIAH membership for students.
Furthermore, the Government has launched Skills England to ensure there is a comprehensive suite of apprenticeships, training and technical qualifications for individuals and employers to access, which are aligned with skills gaps and what employers need. It will work with its partners to ensure that regional and national skills needs are met.
As set out in the trade strategy, we recognise concerns about methods of production, such as sow stalls and battery cages, which are not permitted in the UK. While methods vary in line with different climates, diseases and other contextual reasons, we will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and any impact that may have. Where necessary, we will be prepared to use the full range of powers at our disposal to protect our most sensitive sectors including permanent quotas, exclusions and safeguards.
We will always maintain UK levels of statutory protection in relation to human, animal or plant life or health, animal welfare, and the environment.
We will agree a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement to make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, cutting costs and red tape for British producers and retailers. GB goods such as dairy are currently subject to 100% documentary checks and up to 30% physical checks when exported to the EU. An SPS deal will see these removed entirely.
We are committed to working closely with businesses across the UK to ensure they are able to take advantage of the benefits the Agreement will provide.
Defra has not completed an assessment of any changes in the average costs for veterinary care. The Competition and Market Authority is conducting a market investigation into the provision of veterinary services for household pets. Defra will consider any remedies they propose in due course.
The Competition and Market Authority is conducting a market investigation into the provision of veterinary services for household pets. Defra will consider any remedies they propose in due course.
Work is ongoing to determine the best approach to deliver the manifesto commitment to ban trail hunting. We have committed to running a consultation to ensure those with an interest can input. We will share further details in due course.
The Department does not hold data or information centrally on the number of workdays completed by staff remotely.
The Government assesses a whole variety of factors that affect UK food supply using readily available data. Two examples include: the Production to Supply ratio last updated in July 2025 (found here Chapter 14: The food chain - GOV.UK) and analysis of the UK’s Seafood Consumption (found here Seafood Consumption 2025 — Seafish and published annually).
The UK is committed to protecting our marine environment and ensuring sustainable fisheries. We are taking action through Marine Protected Area management and Fisheries Management Plans, which apply to all vessels in UK waters.
Any policy changes must be evidence-based and consistent with our international obligations, including the non-discrimination provisions of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
We continue to monitor fishing activity closely and will act where there is evidence of harm or non-compliance.
This Government is putting customers at the heart of the water system. While stakeholder engagement is a matter for individual water companies, customers will be able to hold water company bosses to account through powerful new customer panels that are being developed. Ministers have met with all company boards to ensure they understand the Government’s drive to transform the water sector and to hear how they plan to meet their obligations to customers and the environment.
We have allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament. Farmers will directly benefit from an average of £2.3 billion per year - continuing the average annual farming spend over the last Parliament - supporting farm profitability through investment in research and technology and sustainable food production, at the same time as improving the quality of the water in our rivers, the air we breathe and our spaces for wildlife.
We are determined to deliver value for taxpayers’ money. We have identified efficiencies in the farming budget and opportunities to better target incentives for farmers to deliver environmental benefits. For example, rapidly winding down subsidy payments that do not provide returns on investment, and increasing investment in environmental land management schemes from £1.8 billion in 25/26 to more than £2 billion a year by 28/29.
Public funding will also help leverage more private investment into nature restoration, including through the Landscape Recovery scheme where projects will be co-funded by a blend of public and private investment. This will provide farmers with new income streams and opportunities to be rewarded for nature restoration as well as food production.
We continue to engage with stakeholders including the tourism industry and animal welfare groups to explore both legislative and non-legislative options to stop the advertising of low-welfare animal activities abroad.
We currently have no plans to restore the Agricultural Wages Board.
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) pays farmers and land managers to carry out actions that support the sustainable production of food and boost farm productivity and resilience, while protecting and enhancing the environment. Upland farmers play a key role in delivering sustainable food production and our environmental targets.
We will provide further details about the reformed SFI offer later this year.
All prospective Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme offers have been assessed for their potential impact against a range of environmental and cultural services, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity indicators. These have included qualitative assessments, drawing upon expert opinion and evidence reviews, as well as quantitative assessments, drawing upon published datasets.
Through the new Countryside Stewardship Hier Tier offer we will be providing payment for grazing with both cattle and ponies and making both cattle and ponies eligible under the native breeds at risk supplement. We are thereby removing the competition between the two as recommended in the Dartmoor review. We have also made it clear within the new offer that ponies are exempt from stock removal requirements, in recognition that removal of ponies from moorland is neither feasible nor desirable in most circumstances.
We cannot, exclude either cattle or ponies from stocking density calculations. All livestock contribute to the overall grazing pressure exerted on moorland. On some moorland habitats (such as peatland), it is necessary to graze with low stocking densities to support habitat restoration and maintenance. If any livestock are excluded from the stocking density calculation, then over grazing would result. This would prevent us achieving desired improvements in habitat condition.
Live coral is not eligible for movement under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (the “Green Lane”), as the scheme applies only to retail goods intended for final consumption in Northern Ireland. Movements of live animals and live aquatic invertebrates, such as coral, must therefore follow the standard procedures via Official Controls Regulations, including the standard SPS Requirements. Where a species of coral is protected under CITES, it will require a CITES permit for movement from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, which are issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Live coral is not eligible for movement under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (the “Green Lane”), as the scheme applies only to retail goods intended for final consumption in Northern Ireland. Movements of live animals and live aquatic invertebrates, such as coral, must therefore follow the standard procedures via Official Controls Regulations, including the standard SPS Requirements. Where a species of coral is protected under CITES, it will require a CITES permit for movement from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, which are issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Live coral is not eligible for movement under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (the “Green Lane”), as the scheme applies only to retail goods intended for final consumption in Northern Ireland. Movements of live animals and live aquatic invertebrates, such as coral, must therefore follow the standard procedures via Official Controls Regulations, including the standard SPS Requirements. Where a species of coral is protected under CITES, it will require a CITES permit for movement from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, which are issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
It would not be appropriate for Government to comment on, or intervene in, matters relating to contracts between producers and retailers. These are driven by commercial interests, based on supply and demand.
Food security is national security. We need a resilient and healthy food system, that works with nature and supports British farmers, fishers and food producers.
As part of the Government’s Plan for Change we are delivering on the Government’s New Deal for Farmers which includes a raft of new policies and major investment to boost profits for farmers.
We've allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament.
Defra’s approach to bluetongue virus (BTV) considers the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice and aim to limit the spread of infection through proportionate and evidence-based control measures with the aim of slowing the spread of disease through movement controls while safe and effective vaccines were developed. On 1st July 2025 the restricted zone for bluetongue was extended to cover all of England. Susceptible animals can now move freely within England without a specific bluetongue licence or pre-movement testing. This change was implemented because the movement controls were no longer proportionate or effective.
Disease control is a devolved matter. Defra works closely with the Devolved Governments with the aim of providing, where possible, a consistent and coordinated response across the UK.
Vaccination remains the most effective long-term approach for reducing the impacts of bluetongue disease throughout the UK. Defra has permitted the use of vaccines for BTV-3 and these vaccines are now available for vets to prescribe in England.
Based on the information recorded centrally about working patterns, Defra can report that 13.5% of employees work compressed hours.
Additionally, working from home is a form of flexible working and almost all roles in Defra include some flexibility to work from home for up to 40% of their hours, in line with wider Civil Service policy.
On 24 October 2024 the Cabinet Office announced that 60% minimum office attendance for most staff continues to be the best balance of working for the Civil Service. Senior managers will continue to be expected to be in the office more than 60% of the time.
Occupancy rates in our London HQ are given in the published Civil Service Headquarters occupancy data.
Working with Devolved Governments, Competent Authorities, and industry stakeholders, Defra has considered the potential merits of adopting the livestock unit regulatory flexibility (5% Rule) for smaller abattoirs, as part of its commitment to identifying opportunities to ease regulatory and administrative burdens on the sector.
There were 19 import consignments since July 2024 and 1,696 macaques in total. These figures are from the number of import licences issued for macaques and where the Animal and Plant Health Agency received confirmation that the consignment had arrived in the UK.
Defra’s bluetongue disease control measures aim to limit the spread of BTV infection through proportionate and evidence-based control measures, whilst balancing the burdens of controls against the benefits of slowing the spread of bluetongue and minimising the cost of any outbreak both to Government and farmers.
Vector control is not an effective control measure and vaccination remains the most effective long-term approach for reducing the impacts of bluetongue disease throughout the UK. Defra has permitted the use of vaccines for BTV-3 and these vaccines are now widely available for vets to prescribe in England.
The Government conducts annual targeted surveillance for BTV. This is designed to detect new serotypes of bluetongue virus, including BTV-12 that may be circulating. The annual surveillance uses diagnostic testing protocols at the bluetongue national reference laboratory, The Pirbright Institute, that can detect and differentiate between different serotypes of bluetongue virus including BTV-12.
The Competition and Market Authority is conducting a market investigation into the provision of veterinary services for household pets. Defra will consider any remedies they propose in due course.
The Competition and Market Authority is conducting a market investigation into the provision of veterinary services for household pets. Defra will consider any remedies they propose in due course.
We have allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament. We are investing more than £2.7 billion a year in farming and nature recovery, the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country’s history to put healthy, nutritious food on our tables. We are working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to design a future Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer that fairly and responsibly directs funding.
That's only part of our commitment to farmers.
We have also protected farmers in trade deals and provided a five-year extension to the Seasonal Worker route, giving farms certainty to grow their businesses.
We are using our own purchasing power to back British produce, with an ambition, where possible, for half of food supplied into the public sector to be produced locally or certified to high environmental standards.
We are reforming the planning system to support clean energy projects that align with our Clean Power 2030 ambitions, helping farm businesses to become more profitable and resilient.
Veterinary practices are private entities and therefore not directly supported by Defra. The Competition and Market Authority is conducting a market investigation into the provision of veterinary services for household pets. Defra will consider any remedies they propose in due course.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 12 May 2025 to the hon. Member for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, PQ 49603.
We have allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament. All our Environmental Land Management schemes (Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier, and Landscape Recovery) will continue, and we will continue to evolve and improve them in an orderly way to make them work for farmers and nature.
We are working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to design a future SFI offer that fairly and responsibly directs funding. Further information about the reformed SFI will be provided shortly. The new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) service will open this month for applications to those who have been invited to apply, have received pre-application advice and have completed any preparatory work. Landscape Recovery projects that were awarded development funding in rounds one and two are continuing to progress towards the delivery phase, and the first two projects have now completed the necessary checks, signed their agreements, and are ready to start work on the ground.
Food security is national security. We need a resilient and healthy food system, that works with nature and supports British farmers, fishers and food producers.
As part of the Government’s Plan for Change we are delivering on the Government’s New Deal for Farmers which includes a raft of new policies and major investment to boost profits for farmers.
We've allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament.
Agricultural permitted development rights were amended in April 2024 to expand the range of uses agricultural buildings and land within their curtilage can be used for under a ‘flexible commercial use’, incentivising development by providing certainty and removing the time and money needed to submit a planning application. As the Secretary of State announced earlier this year, we will ensure these permitted development rights work for farms to support all farmers to innovate and diversify their businesses. In June, we held three roundtables with agriculture stakeholders to discuss planning issues in depth. Government is consulting on national policies for decision making later this year to make the planning policy framework clearer and more accessible.
Since July 2024, the Rural Payment Agency has paid £406,545 to customers of the Smaller Abattoir Fund.
The total funding remaining for the Smaller Abattoir Fund is £704,928.
In each of the last five financial years, Defra has provided the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) with the following amounts of funding:
Financial Year | Funding Amount |
2020/21 | £30,000 |
21/22 | £30,000 |
22/23 | £31,000 |
23/24 | £27,545.93 |
24/25 | £29,982.93 |
We are currently working to develop a withdrawal scheme so that owners who no longer believe that their dog is an XL Bully can apply to have their certificate of exemption for their dog withdrawn. Information about this process will be available soon.
We are currently working to develop a withdrawal scheme so that owners who no longer believe that their dog is an XL Bully can apply to have their certificate of exemption for their dog withdrawn. Information about this process will be available soon.
Defra does not hold data on the number of independent UK veterinary practices that offer out-of-hours emergency care.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in conjunction with the Falkland Islands Government, continue to collaborate closely to assess the implications of the Agreement on fishing in the South Atlantic. During the Informal Consultations of State Parties to the UN Fish Stocks Agreement (ICSP-18), held at the UN in May 2025, Defra colleagues recommended initiating further multilateral discussions to explore the implications of the Agreement. In parallel, both departments are continuing to work with the Falkland Islands Government to address concerns around unregulated fishing in the Blue Hole and to ensure their interests are represented in international fisheries meetings.
Bees and other pollinators play an essential role in our £100 billion food industry. The latest estimated value of insect pollination on UK crops fruit, vegetable and oil seed rape production is around £630 million per year. This estimate is based on increases in yield and market quality. It was produced through field and desk-based research undertaken by the University of Reading and other researchers, who estimated the potential deficits in crop yield and quality without (or with reduced) insect pollination services, and related this to market value.
There have been no recent assessments of the economic impact of pollinator decline on UK agriculture. Abundant pollinators are an essential part of maintaining sustainable food production and we will provide farmers and land managers with the support they need to help restore nature, vital to safeguarding our long-term food security, support productivity and building resilience to climate change.