Our mission is to safeguard animal and plant health for the bene­fit of people, the environment and the economy.Why we do it:Informed policy making in UK and EU Enhanced food security Improved agricultural economy Healthier people, plants animals and environment Rapid control of pest and disease outbreaks Reduced risk from new and emerging threatsWhat we do:Engagement with farmers, industry groups and the public Applied expert advice to decision makers Threat surveillance Risk assessment and mitigation Reference laboratories for animal health Influencing international policy development Expert research: playing a part in the wider scientifi­c community Inspection, certifi­cation and enforcement High quality laboratory services Rapid emergency response Interface between industry and governmentThe Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) was created on 1 October 2014. Around 2,450 staff work for APHA based at sites across Great Britain. The agency was formed from four functions of the Food and Environment Research Agency (the Bee Inspectorate, the Plants Health and Seeds Inspectorate, the Plant Variety and Seeds Group and the GM Inspectorate) joining with the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency.