Publication scheme

The publication scheme specifies the categories of information Defra and its agencies publish and explains how to access that information.


The Freedom of Information Act requires us to tell members of the public how they can find information that is routinely made available. More information about this requirement can be found on the Information Commissioner’s Office website. We have formally adopted the model publication scheme.

We publish the majority of our information on this website, and specific documents can be found using the publication search.

If the information you want is not routinely published, you can make a request for it under the Freedom of Information Act. Where the information is published elsewhere you will find the required link in the list below.

Who we are and what we do

Organisational information, structures, locations and contacts:

What we spend and how we spend it

Financial information about projected and actual income and expenditure, procurement, contracts and financial audits:

What our priorities are and how we are doing

Strategies and plans, performance indicators, audits, inspections and reviews:

How we make decisions

Decision-making processes and records of decisions: