Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The UK Government department responsible for the environment, farming, food, rural affairs and animal welfare.

Abbreviation: Defra

Also used as: DEFRA, Environment Department, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Official website: Visit Defra

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for environmental protection, farming, fisheries, food, animal welfare, rural affairs and flood policy in England, alongside some UK-wide responsibilities. It may appear in summaries about water quality, nature recovery, agriculture, food standards, animal disease, waste, air quality, flooding and environmental regulation.

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