DEFRA has an exceptionally broad range of responsibilities, each of which impact on the daily life of the nation - whether it be for today or for generations to come. As well as protecting the environment, they are involved in farming, fisheries and the food chain. Animal health and welfare, and rural affairs and land use also come under their authority. Such scope ensures that they employ an equally broad range of people to contribute to the development of our policies. In all, they employ around 11,000 people, located at eight offices around the country.