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Farming makes a huge contribution to our rural economy and to our way of life. It contributed approximately £7.2 billion to the UK economy in 2009. It uses around three quarters of this country's land area, and employs around half a million people (Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2009).
One of Defra’s major tasks is to help this vital industry meet the challenges of food security and climate change by enabling farmers to care for the land, produce efficiently and sustainably, and uphold high animal welfare standards.
We also administer support policies agreed in Brussels which provide around £3 billion to UK agriculture.
Farmer advice and support at Business Link
Defra has launched a new dedicated Farming section on Business Link. It contains plain English guides on livestock, crops, organics, and agricultural wages and tenancies.
Page last modified: 29 March 2010