Mrs Spelman was joined by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, to publish the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs Structural Reform Plan, which sets out how Defra plans to ensure that economic growth, protecting the environment, and enhancing the competitiveness of the whole food chain are inextricably linked.

Defra’s Structural Reform Plan (SRP) lays down three departmental priorities to support and develop British farming and encourage sustainable food production; help to enhance the environment and biodiversity to improve quality of life; and support a strong and sustainable green economy, which is resilient to climate change.

Greenest Government Ever.

Mrs Spelman said:

“The coalition government has pledged to be the greenest government ever. That means making sure we have the greenest economy ever.

“Businesses, communities, and individuals need to be supported to innovate and invest, use resources sustainably, and reduce waste, so that the economy is resilient to climate change.

“The food and farming industry, from the farm to the plate, has demonstrated its ability to withstand economic shocks and will be a pillar of the new green economy, so it is vital that we do what we can to enhance its competitiveness.

“And our quality of life remains paramount. So we will do all we can to enhance and protect biodiversity and our marine environment, and strengthen the rural economy.”

Structural Reform Plans set clear priorities

Structural Reform Plans set clear priorities and measurable milestones for every department, allowing people to check on how departments are meeting their commitments.

Defra’s SRP also sets out a series of actions to achieve these priorities, including:

• pursuing a zero waste agenda and launching a national tree planting campaign;
• publishing a Natural Environment White Paper, setting out measures to protect wildlife and promote green spaces;
• legislating to make it a criminal offence to allow illegal timber to enter the UK market;
• supporting economic growth in rural areas;
• promoting increased domestic food production and reducing regulation;
• pursuing further reform of the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies; and
• publishing a White Paper on reform of the water industry to ensure more efficient use of water and protect poorer households.

Defra’s Structural Reform Plan has been published on the Defra website in commentable format, to allow public discussion of the department’s priorities.

Further details  can be found at: http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/about/our-priorities/. The SRP will be updated as further details of its implementation become available.

Notes:

1.    Implementation of the Structural Reform Plan is subject to the conclusions of the Comprehensive Spending Review, set to be completed in October 2010.

2.    Defra’s full business plan will be published in the autumn, following the publication of the government-wide spending review.