51AVÊÓÆµ

Defra pays £650k for its own staff to learn about farming

Is this a sign of a Government department which is trying to learn more about the farming sector? Or should staff already possess the experience, knowledge, skills and an appreciation of farming to work in Defra?

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
"Most Defra staff are not from farming backgrounds, yet they have to make important decisions which affect the agricultural industry. This contract enables us to share our knowledge and upskill the Defra team providing a solid foundation to assist in policy and practice."
Image:

"Most Defra staff are not from farming backgrounds, yet they have to make important decisions which affect the agricultural industry. This contract enables us to share our knowledge and upskill the Defra team providing a solid foundation to assist in policy and practice."

A Government agency responsible for the environment, food and rural affairs has awarded a lucrative contract to a British conservation charity, worth more than £500,000, to help its staff to learn about...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on 51AVÊÓÆµLife

In Your Field: Dan Jones - 'Despite trying to escape farming, I spent much of the journey looking over hedges'

In Your Field: Dan Jones - 'Despite trying to escape farming, I spent much of the journey looking over hedges'

Dan Jones discusses cycling more than 3,000 miles from Trondheim in Norway to Kalamata in Greece

Katie Jones
clock 31 August 2026 • 3 min read
Councillor's request for 'proper' public meeting on Walton solar farm refused by developer

Councillor's request for 'proper' public meeting on Walton solar farm refused by developer

Given the scale of the proposed 22.2-megawatt industrial solar farm, a Shopshire councillor asked the developer for an additional public consultation

Mia Willemsen
clock 30 August 2026 • 3 min read
How a small organic tenant farm inspired a movement

How a small organic tenant farm inspired a movement

Twenty years ago, two young siblings did the seemingly impossible - they saved their family farm from developers. Now, with a new generation of custodians and a bolder vision, Fordhall Organic 51AVÊÓÆµhopes they could inspire many more. Olivia Midgley reports....

Olivia Midgley
clock 28 August 2026 • 5 min read