Defra develops policies to improve and protect the environment, and seeks to make the countryside a good place to live, work and visit. Defra works with the Environment Agency to reduce air and water pollution, and to prevent flooding.
Internationally, it seeks to reduce global warming and promote sustainable development, which links the need for a better environment with the economic and social challenges of modern society.
A safe, reliable and competitive food chain is assisted by supporting the farming and fishing industries, and ensuring that they meet the needs of consumers. Defra promotes employment opportunities and services for people living in rural areas and to help visitors to enjoy the British countryside.
The Department also regulates food production (which is independently monitored by the Food Standards Agency). It seeks to preserve resources for future generations and ensure food is produced to the highest standard.
Defra promotes high standards of animal health and welfare also regulates the welfare of animals, and seeks to ensure they are treated humanely. It also helps to preserve endangered wildlife species.
Here is a list of ministers who work for the Department.
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Responsibilities:
- Has overall responsibility for all Departmental issues
- Represents the UK at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council and at the EU Environment Council
- Leads for the UK in other international negotiations on sustainable development and climate change
Minister of State
Lord Rooker
Responsibilities:
- Food
- Farming
- Animal health
- Welfare
Minister of State
Phil Woolas MP
Responsibilities:
- Climate change
- Energy
- Sustainable development
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
Joan Ruddock MP
Responsibilities:
- Climate change
- Waste and recycling
- Biodiversity
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for the South East
Jonathan Shaw MP
Responsibilities:
- Marine and fisheries
- Rural affairs
- Landscape
- Local environment quality
Contact department
The DEFRA Helpline is the initial contact point for information on the work of the whole of the Department.
The Helpline is a local call rate number: 08459 33 55 77 (within the UK) available between 09:00 and 17:00 on working days.
From outside the UK the telephone number is +44 (0) 20 7238 6951
Fax: 020 7238 2188
The Helpline email address is: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
The postal address for all initial correspondence to Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is:
Defra
Customer Contact Unit
Eastbury House
30 - 34 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7TL
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