Joined-up thinking needed from DEFRA.

The author reflects on the need for a unified British Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in tackling agricultural and environmental issues. He says that the agency must develop comprehensive policies for food production and supply, linked to the environment and the rural society. He states that at present, DEFRA does not seem to operate as a joined-up ministry and policies in these issues seem to be developed individually and are subject to lobbying by their separate interest groups.