DEFRA’s current priorities
Date posted: 14 November 2025
On Tuesday 11th November 2025, Emma Reynolds was questioned by the Commons EFRA Committee.
We learned that DEFRA’s policy direction remains broadly steady, with a growing focus on how farming profitability and environmental improvements can support the government’s wider growth agenda. Emma Reynolds highlighted four priorities: cleaner rivers, backing farming (including reviewing Minette Batters’ profitability report), restoring nature, and a new “EU re-set” to improve UK–EU trade relations. She also confirmed continued support for ending area-based payments.
Forthcoming Publications
- Minette Batters’ Farming Profitability Review and DEFRA’s response may be published before Christmas.
- An updated Environmental Improvement Plan may also arrive before Christmas.
- The Land Use Framework is expected in early 2026.
- A Farming Roadmap is planned for next year.
SFI and Environmental Schemes
- 90% of applicants affected by the March SFI pause have now received offers.
- No timetable has been given for new scheme design.
- DEFRA is reflecting on spring scheme pressures and may manage application windows more tightly.
- Discussion highlighted which environmental options offer good value for money (e.g., herbal leys, winter bird food) and concerns about the cost-effectiveness of hedgerow funding.
- Calls were made for productivity grants, especially for smaller farms.
- Private investment in nature remains a goal, with Landscape Recovery and farmer clusters mentioned.
Regulation and Water
- Pilots will streamline regulation by giving major infrastructure projects a single lead regulator.
- A water white paper is expected soon. OFWAT will be abolished, replaced by a single integrated economic and environmental water regulator (combining elements of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, Environment Agency and Natural England).
- Regulatory leadership changes were noted, including at the RPA and on the DEFRA board.
EU Re-Set
- DEFRA is prioritising a potential SPS agreement to ease EU trade (57% of UK food exports go to the EU).
- The process is expected to involve negotiation, legislation through to 2027, and implementation.
- EU may push for alignment beyond the May Common Understanding.
- Adoption of EU rules will affect domestic farming practices, especially given EU’s updated animal health laws.
- DEFRA is reallocating significant staff capacity to manage the process.
- Risks involving personal imports and animal disease will remain.
