Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the news

England's 2026 cereal harvest was the worst on record due to extreme weather, emphasizing the need for urgent action and a shift to sustainable farming practices.

A roundtable co-hosted by Stimson Center and UK DEFRA discussed the impact of land degradation on food systems, highlighting data integration issues and the mislabeling of ecological risks as climate risks.

Campaigners have won a High Court challenge against Defra over bathing water regulations that they argue could leave polluted beaches unmonitored and unprotected.

A Member of Parliament in South West Norfolk details their efforts in supporting local farmers through policy advocacy, casework, and an upcoming event to connect farmers with resources.

Andrew RT Davies advocates for dismantling Natural Resources Wales and centralizing its powers under ministerial control, emulating English Conservative plans to abolish environmental bodies.

The Conservative Party proposes to abolish Natural England and the Environment Agency, integrating their responsibilities into Defra to reduce bureaucracy and increase direct accountability for environmental policy and regulation.

Defra is consulting on an Alternative Transitional Registration Model (ATRm) for UK REACH to ease the re-registration process for chemicals after Brexit.

The UK government is considering new regulations for wood-burning stoves to reduce PM2.5 emissions, which are a significant source of air pollution and health risks.

Experts warn the UK is unprepared for food supply disruptions due to climate change, cyber threats, and an unsustainable system, with calls for systemic changes and national food resilience planning.

The Conservative Party proposes to abolish the Environment Agency and Natural England, transferring their responsibilities to Defra, as part of a deregulation effort that could impact farmers and environmental enforcement.

DEFRA officials are pictured among slaughtered cows at a farm near Guildford, southern England, in August 2007, during rapid efforts to contain a foot and mouth outbreak.

The UK faces a record bluetongue outbreak in 2026-27, primarily in England, driven by favorable Midge conditions after a hot summer, prompting calls for widespread animal vaccination.

The UK is experiencing its worst-ever bluetongue outbreak in livestock, with over 2,200 cases reported, exacerbated by climate change and vaccine supply challenges for farmers.

DEFRA officials are pictured with slaughtered cows at a farm near Guildford, England, during a 2007 foot and mouth disease outbreak.

Defra released its annual report detailing salmonella data in animals and feed across Great Britain.

The UK reiterated its anti-whaling stance and invested 150,000 in a new Global Strandings Database at the 70th International Whaling Commission meeting.

Professor Anjali Goswami, Defra's Chief Scientific Adviser, shared insights into the role of scientists in government, emphasizing evidence-based policymaking, and encouraged researchers to engage with public service.

Michael Seals has been reappointed as chair of the Animal Sentience Committee, extending his term until October 28, 2028.

Peterborough receives &pound222,000 from the Good Food Neighbourhoods programme to enhance access to affordable and healthy food.

The UK government is investing £79 million in local environmental initiatives, including a new Community Trees Fund and support for Local Nature Recovery Strategies, to enhance climate resilience and nature recovery across England.