Following the recent Autumn Budget, the National Farmers Union (NFU) has launched a vigorous campaign to overturn the government’s decision to impose a 20% inheritance tax on family farms valued over £1 million.

The policy change, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has sparked widespread concern among farmers, NFU members, and the British public, as many fear this "family farm tax" will force the breakup of generational farms to meet tax obligations.

What Is the Family Farm Tax?

The family farm tax refers to changes made to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) in the recent budget, which would impose inheritance taxes on family farms above a certain value. Farmers and advocates argue that this new tax threatens the viability of family farms, many of which have operated for generations, by requiring them to pay a tax that may force sales or subdivisions of the farm.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw was quick to call out the potential harms of the new APR policies. He stated, “The current plans to change APR and BPR need to be overturned and fast. Farmers are rightly angry and concerned about their future and for the future of their family farms.” Despite assurances from government ministers that changes to APR and Business Property Relief (BPR) were not under consideration, this policy shift was announced in the budget.

Growing Support from Farmers and the Public

Since the budget announcement, more than 180,000 people have joined the NFU’s campaign, uniting farmers, rural communities, and consumers across the UK in a call for government action. Supporters have rallied on social media, sharing personal stories, voicing their concerns, and encouraging others to sign the petition.

The NFU swiftly mobilised to oppose this policy, engaging in high-level meetings between NFU President Tom Bradshaw and key government officials, generating extensive media coverage, and seeing a significant rise in public engagement.

Sign the Petition to Stop the Family Farm Tax

You can support the movement to overturn the family farm tax by signing the NFU’s petition.

This petition aims to reach the government with a powerful message: that family farms are essential to the economy, culture, and heritage of the UK and should not be jeopardised by tax policies that disproportionately impact small, cash-poor farms.

How to Sign the Petition:

  • Visit the National Farmers Union’s official website, or click this link to find the petition details: Sign the petition - Stop the Family Farm Tax
  • Spread the Word: Share the petition on social media and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to sign.
  • Stay Informed: Follow the NFU on social media to keep up with campaign updates, events, and calls for action.

By adding your name to this petition, you’re standing with British farmers, supporting the preservation of family farms, and helping to ensure future generations can continue farming without the threat of prohibitive taxes. Every signature strengthens the NFU’s message to the government that family farms are integral to the UK's agricultural sector and that the proposed changes to APR need urgent reconsideration.

NFU Rally Against the Family Farm Tax – 19th November in London

As the NFU intensifies its campaign against the “family farm tax,” farmers and growers are preparing to make their voices heard directly in Parliament next week.

On November 19, 2024, NFU members will gather in London for a mass lobby event aimed at convincing MPs to oppose the new inheritance tax changes outlined in the Autumn Budget.

Originally scheduled for Trafalgar Square, high turnout has led organizers to relocate the rally to Richmond Terrace, Whitehall directly opposite Downing Street, to safely accommodate the crowd and allow all participants to hear from the speakers.

Location: Richmond Terrace, Whitehall, London
Gathering Time: 11 a.m.
What3Words: fresh.butter.grapes

Second Rally Organised by Supporters

In addition to the NFU event, a second rally has been organised by supporters who stand with family farms and oppose the government’s budget decisions. This parallel event will provide another opportunity for people to show solidarity and amplify the message that British farming must be protected.

Full details available here > Rally Registration, Schedule and Timetable | The Farming Forum

Alongside this campaign, Digon yw Digon have organised a tractor convoy protest in Llandudno on Saturday, 16th November at the Welsh Labour Conference, as Welsh farmers say 'Enough is Enough' to unfair policies threatening their livelihoods and food security.