Regulator Profile

DEFRA

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Policy Department

4

Areas of regulation

47

Laws enforced

England

Quick links

Visit official website Email DEFRA Call 03459 33 55 77

Agriculture Animal Welfare Environmental Policy Fisheries

What DEFRA does

Government department responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries, and rural communities. Sets environmental policy and works with agencies (EA, NE) on implementation. Oversees animal health and welfare standards.

Additional information

Policy department - implementation via Environment Agency, Natural England, APHA, RPA. Scotland, Wales, NI have devolved equivalents.

Legal framework

Legislation that DEFRA enforces.

Primary legislation

• Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967 Act 1967
• Agriculture Act 1970 (Part IV - Seeds) Act 1970
• Conservation of Seals Act 1970 Act 1970
• Animal Health Act 1981 Act 1981
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) Act 1981
• Animal Health and Welfare Act 1984 Act 1984
• Agriculture Act 1986 Act 1986
• Environmental Protection Act 1990 Act 1990
• Deer Act 1991 Act 1991
• UKPGA 1991/65 Act 1991
• Water Resources Act 1991 Act 1991
• Protection of Badgers Act 1992 Act 1992
• Clean Air Act 1993 Act 1993
• Environment Act 1995 Act 1995
• Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997 Act 1997
• Pesticides Act 1998 Act 1998
• Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Act 2000
• Animal Welfare Act 2006 Act 2006
• Agriculture Act 2020 Act 2020
• Fisheries Act 2020 Act 2020
• Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 Act 2021
• Environment Act 2021 (enhancement) Act 2021
• Dogs Act 1871 Act

Secondary legislation

• Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 UK Statutory Instrument 1991
• Disease Control (England) Order 2003 UK Statutory Instrument 2003
• Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003 UK Statutory Instrument 2003
• The Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England) Regulations 2006 UK Statutory Instrument 2006
• Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 UK Statutory Instrument 2006
• Cattle Identification Regulations 2007 UK Statutory Instrument 2007
• Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007 UK Statutory Instrument 2007
• Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 UK Statutory Instrument 2007
• Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 UK Statutory Instrument 2010
• Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 UK Statutory Instrument 2011
• ... and 14 more statutory instruments

Sectors regulated

Agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and pets Environment