The four UK farming unions have united in a powerful display of solidarity by delivering a petition signed by over 270,000 members of the public to 10 Downing Street, urging the government to reconsider its implementation of a ‘devastating family farm tax’. This significant petition was presented by NFU President Tom Bradshaw and NFU Cymru President Aled Jones, representing the collective voice of the four UK farming unions. Unfortunately, the presidents of NFU Scotland, Martin Kennedy, and the Ulster Farmers’ Union, William Irvine, were unable to attend in person due to Storm Eowyn.
The impetus for this campaign stemmed from the recent changes to Agriculture Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves during the Autumn Budget. The farming unions expressed grave concerns that these alterations would have a detrimental impact on farming families nationwide, particularly in light of the challenging economic conditions faced by farmers in recent years. Factors such as tightening profit margins, rising inflation, escalating production costs, and unpredictable weather patterns have exacerbated the financial strain on many farmers and growers, pushing them to the brink of viability.
Research conducted by the NFU, in collaboration with former Treasury and Office for Budget Responsibility economists, revealed that up to 75% of operational farms could be adversely affected by the APR reforms, with some facing exorbitant tax liabilities amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Office for Budget Responsibility’s recent report further underscored the vulnerability of elderly farmers under the revised inheritance tax (IHT) regulations, leaving them ill-prepared to navigate the complexities of the new policy.
Moreover, the looming threat of family farm closures due to the burdensome tax burdens, coupled with the additional financial strains resulting from the Budget’s employment cost increases, poses a significant risk to UK food production. The farming unions emphasized the urgent need for the government to reconsider its stance on the family farm tax, highlighting the detrimental consequences it could have on the agricultural sector and the broader food supply chain.
In a joint statement, the presidents of the UK farming unions expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the public, as evidenced by the extensive petition signatures. The unions underscored the importance of public backing in challenging the government’s disregard for the pivotal role of farmers in sustaining the nation’s food supply. They emphasized the industry’s resolute stance against the unjust policy, as demonstrated through mass lobbying efforts and farmer-led rallies aimed at raising awareness of the challenges faced by family farms.
The petition delivery coincided with a National Day of Unity, organized by the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, and Ulster Farmers’ Union, which saw farmers across the UK come together to express gratitude for public support and reaffirm their commitment to advocating for fair treatment of family farms. The farming unions reiterated their call for the government to review and reverse the detrimental policy, emphasizing the need for meaningful dialogue and action to address the concerns raised by farmers.
As the farming unions continue to champion the cause of family farms and advocate for a fairer tax regime, they remain steadfast in their resolve to protect the livelihoods of farmers, the sustainability of the agricultural sector, and the integrity of the UK’s food supply. The collective efforts of the farming community, supported by the public and key industry stakeholders, serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding the future of British agriculture and ensuring the continued success of family farms in the face of unprecedented challenges.
