DEFRA
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding the natural environment, supporting the UK’s world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Defra’s broad remit means the department plays a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
Partner Contributions
Farm Business Survey
Resource
Benchmark the physical and economic performance of your farm business with the help of the Farm Business Survey.
The effects of reduced tillage practices and organic material additions on the carbon content of arable soils
Resource
A report summaring results from a review which looks at the extent by which reduced tillage practices and organic material returns could increase the organic carbon content of English and Welsh arable soils.
Wildlife-friendly farming increases crop yield: evidence for ecological intensification
Resource
Research that looked at the effects of creating wildlife-friendly habitats in less productive areas of fields on a conventional arable farm.
Charlock Management in Organic Systems
Resource
Leaflet summarising methods of prevention and control of charlock in organic systems.
Challenging times for farmers affected by drought
Blog Post
As you will only be too well aware, the prolonged hot and dry weather conditions have created difficulties in meeting the requirements of rural grant and payment schemes. Defra recently set out some guidance for Greening/EFAs due to the weather conditions… They have advised farmers whose production has been affected by recent drought conditions to: ‘contact their […]
Don’t miss your chance to have a say in the future of UK food and farming!
Blog Post
Whatever your opinion on Brexit, the current opportunity to feed into the future of food farming should not be missed! The Defra consultation paper, ‘Health and Harmony: The Future for Food, Farming and the Environment in a Green Brexit’ was released in February – make sure you share your ideas and opinions before the deadline […]
Fat-Hen Management in Organic Systems
Resource
Leaflet summarising methods of prevention and control of fat-hen in organic systems.
Organic weed management
Resource
A fantastic resource providing detailed information to help you manage weeds in ways that will benefit your crops, soil and pollinators.
Digestate and compost in agriculture
Resource
Anaerobic digestate and compost as sources of plant nutrients and organic matter; research findings and guidance on practical application.
Protecting insect pollinators from pesticide risk
Resource
Minimising pesticide risks to pollinators; what we know and what farmers and policy makers can do about it.
Converting to Organic Farming
Resource
Defra webpage with information about how to convert your farm to organic.
Bees’ Needs: food and a home
Resource
A short video of why we need pollinators and they need us. What simple actions can we take to help reduce the many threats pollinators face?