The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is a government agency in Northern Ireland that is responsible for various aspects of food, farming, environmental, fisheries, forestry, and sustainability policy. They also focus on the development of the rural sector in the region. DAERA plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable growth of the agri-food, environmental, fishing, and forestry sectors in the Northern Ireland economy.

They prioritize the needs of consumers, as well as the protection of human, animal, and plant health, and the conservation of the environment. DAERA offers a range of services to support these sectors. They provide a business development service for farmers and growers, as well as a veterinary service for the administration of animal health and welfare.

Additionally, their College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) offers training and courses in the agri-food sector. As an executive agency, DAERA oversees the application of European Union agricultural, environmental, fisheries, and rural development policies in Northern Ireland. They also sponsor several non-departmental public bodies, including the Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)