DEFRA

Defra has published its Water Abstraction Plan 2017. This sets out how the government will reform the way it manages water abstraction, to protect the environment and improve access to water.

Read more here.

Defra has produced two reports in order to set out a roadmap working towards long-term resilience in the water sector.

The first report sets out how the policy framework will be enhanced during this Parliament to secure the long-term resilience of the water sector in dealing with pressures like climate change and a growing population.

Following Storm Desmond last December, the government launched a National Flood Resilience Review.  The review will be chaired by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Letwin.

Defra is refusing to comment on growing speculation about its future ahead of an autumn review of Government spending that is expected to remove further big chunks removed from its budget.

The Liberal Democrats’ Defra spokesman has urged the Government not to ’disband’ the Department, as the Treasury considers how to make ends meet ahead of its autumn spending review.

The Government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and improving the environment is delivered through a range of tools, initiatives and best practice. These aim to protect and improve the water environment and support competitive agriculture.

Defra responds to the Natural Capital Committee’s third state of natural capital report, published in January 2015.

This response sets out how Defra will act on the recommendations in the Natural Capital Committee’s third State of Natural Capital report. Click here to read the report. This includes working with others to develop a strategy and 25 year plan for protecting and improving the benefits we get from our natural resources. 

Resilience of the UK food system in a global context - call now open

NERC as part of The Global Food Security (GFS) programme is pleased to announce that the first call of its new research programme 'Resilience of the UK food system in a global context' is now open.

The Global Food Security (GFS) programme is hosting a community building event in light of the call launch for applications to the ‘Resilience of the UK food system in a Global Context’ programme. This programme has been co-designed by BBSRC, ESRC, NERC, Defra and FSA in partnership with wider stakeholders to address the major food security challenge.