Everyone who works with us or in one of our agencies and public bodies has a part to play in achieving our vision of ‘creating a great place for people to live’. The work we do impacts the lives of everyone living in the UK – from the food they eat and the air they breathe, to the water they drink.
Our objectives are
To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.
To lead the world in food, farming and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.
To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.
Check out our latest jobs
We are always looking for talented people to join us at Defra. Find out more about our current vacancies and apply today.
A great place for people to live
People who work for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs all play their part in creating a healthier environment, developing a world-leading food and farming industry, expanding a thriving rural economy and securing robust defences against natural threats and hazards such as flooding and animal and plant diseases.
Our people come from a wide variety of backgrounds and include policy makers, scientists and research specialists.
Whatever your skills, background or specialism, you will find that we offer work with a profound purpose. There has never been a more exciting time to join us.
Our focus is on working in a transformative way, embracing every opportunity to be more agile, efficient, focused and innovative than ever before.
For you, this promises an opportunity to impact on millions of lives, building a bright future for us all.
About Defra
Find out more about us and the work we do across the UK.
Our Careers
From writing environmental policy, to delivering operational science, to protecting plant and animal health, to delivering the digital services that support our work.
Our Benefits
We offer an attractive and competitive benefits package.
Our Culture
Learn more about what it is like to work for Defra.
Our Locations
Find out more about where and how we work.
How to Apply
Everything you need to know to help you with our application process.
“Defra group improves and protects the essentials of life: food, water, land, and air. We drive economic growth, enhance nature, strengthen food security and protect animals, people and property from disease and flooding. Our impact extends beyond borders, sharing expertise and shaping policies globally.”
Paul Kissack
Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Explore agencies and public bodies working with Defra
Water company fines fund local restoration projects
Over £10 million in water company fines directed to restore local waterways through 51 projects aimed at cleaning up rivers, lakes and seas.
New Commissioner to champion tenant farmers across England
Alan Laidlaw, an experienced CEO with more than 25 years’ experience in agriculture and land management, has been appointed to the new role.
Government takes action to protect bees from pesticides
Government announces new guidance to protect pollinators such as bees.