Britain’s farming community has expressed its frustration with the government’s recent Budget announcements, leading to protests and the threat of strike action.
The changes to agricultural inheritance tax have raised concerns about the future of family farms and the broader food supply chain.
As farmers voice their anger, some are even considering a strike that could disrupt food production and cause shortages on supermarket shelves.
Anger Builds Over Tax Changes
At the Northern Farming Conference in Hexham, Northumberland, farmers gathered to voice their opposition to Labour’s proposed changes to farm inheritance rules.
Banners with slogans like “No farmers, no food, no future” were raised as a sign of the growing discontent.
Under the new proposal, inheritance tax will be charged at a rate of 20% on agricultural assets over £1 million.
Although Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that in some cases the threshold could be closer to £3 million, the new rules still worry many in the agricultural sector.
Critics argue that this will make British farms less competitive, potentially forcing family-run farms to sell in order to pay the tax.
Strike Threat Looms as Protests Intensify
The backlash has been building, with some farmers even considering strike action.
Merseyside arable farmer Olly Harrison, a YouTuber and an unofficial spokesperson for the group, emphasized the fragility of the food supply chain.
He pointed out that the disruption caused by panic buying during the Covid-19 pandemic showed just how quickly things can fall apart.
“If we stop goods leaving farms for even a day or two, it will happen faster than you think,” Harrison warned.
While no immediate strike action is planned, farmers are planning to gather in London for a rally organized by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) on November 19.
Details of the Tax Changes and Their Impact
The new inheritance tax changes, scheduled to take effect in April 2026, are designed to raise more revenue for public services by limiting tax relief for the wealthiest estates.
Under the new rules, the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business assets will still be exempt from inheritance tax.
However, any assets above that amount will be taxed at 20%, after a 50% relief is applied.
While Chancellor Reeves claims that only a small number of agricultural properties will be affected, the National Farmers’ Union has warned that these reforms could force farmers to sell their family farms to cover the inheritance tax bill.
Protests and Disruptions Likely to Follow
In addition to organizing rallies, farmers have threatened to halt the spread of biosolids, a type of fertilizer made from treated human waste, in protest.
Each year, UK farmers use around 3.6 million tonnes of sewage sludge for fertilizing crops.
If farmers follow through on their plans, it could create significant disruption for water treatment companies and lead to an accumulation of waste.
Meanwhile, farmers are also concerned about another change in the Budget that could lead to higher car taxes for those who use pick-up trucks like the Ford Ranger or Nissan Navara.
Growing Concern About Food Security
As protests continue to grow, industry leaders are voicing concerns about the broader implications of these tax changes.
George Weston, CEO of Associated British Foods, warned that the new taxes would harm the UK’s ability to grow its own food and maintain food security.
The company, which provides feed and technology services to farmers, supplies much of the country’s food and relies on large-scale farmers to ensure a stable food supply.
According to Weston, policymakers have failed to create an environment that supports farming, which could lead to higher food prices and more reliance on imports.
The Economic Impact and Future Outlook
Tom Bradshaw, president of the NFU, highlighted the potential long-term effects of the new inheritance tax policy.
He pointed out that three-quarters of the food produced by British farmers could be affected by the changes, which would likely drive up the cost of food for consumers.
While Chancellor Reeves has defended the tax changes, arguing that the current system is not financially sustainable, farmers and industry leaders continue to express concerns that these reforms could undermine the future of British farming and food security.
With protests expected to intensify, the next few weeks could see further demonstrations and potentially disruptive actions as farmers fight for their future.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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