Establishment and Structure
- Formed in June 2001 under Margaret Beckett’s leadership
- Merged Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with parts of the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions
- Creation due to perceived failure in handling Foot and Mouth disease outbreak
- Had around 9,000 core personnel as of January 2008
- Climate team merged with energy team in October 2008
Leadership and Governance
- Current Defra Ministers as of November 14, 2023
- Permanent Secretary is Tamara Finkelstein
- Policies apply to England alone due to devolution
- Full list of departmental delivery and public bodies available on Defra website
Operational Functions
- Policies delivered by Defra’s executive agencies and delivery bodies
- Includes Natural England, Rural Payments Agency, Animal Health, and Marine Management Organisation
- Provides grant aid for flood and coastal erosion risk management authorities
- Authorities include Environment Agency, internal drainage boards, and local authorities
Mission and Priorities
- Defra’s aim is sustainable development
- Strategic priorities include climate change, sustainable consumption, protecting countryside, sustainable rural communities, and farming sector sustainability
- Headquarters located at 2 Marsham Street and Nobel House in London
International Engagement and Publications
- Leads for UK on agricultural, fisheries, and environmental matters in international negotiations
- Emphasis on sustainable development and climate change adaptation
- Various ministers with specific portfolios within Defra
- Mention of key publications by Defra and archived documents