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£22.99Farmers causing a commotion at a national conference recently have expressed their concerns over forthcoming changes to agricultural inheritance tax regulations. Environment Secretary Steve Reed’s speech at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) conference was interrupted by tractors blaring horns outside and protestors unveiling banners within the venue. Reed acknowledged the frustration of attendees regarding inheritance tax but admitted he did not have the desired solution to offer.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw denounced the government’s plans to alter inheritance tax rules, describing them as “morally wrong and economically flawed.” The proposed changes set to take effect from April 2026 would impose a 20% tax on inherited agricultural assets over £1 million, a stark deviation from the previous exemption. Despite the government’s assertion that only the top 500 farms would be affected annually, farmer unions dispute this figure, estimating that up to 70,000 farms could suffer repercussions.
The impact of these modifications on farming families is profound, as exemplified by multi-generational farmers Martin Towler, Hazel and Tom Church, and their young son Bertie. The Church family, who have operated Scald End Farm in north Bedfordshire for decades, fear a £400,000 tax bill under the new rules, potentially jeopardizing their farm’s viability. Mr. Church emphasized the significant strain these changes would place on their already challenged business model, highlighting the essential nature of finding a middle ground with the government.
Victoria Atkins, Shadow Environment Secretary, has pledged to revoke the inheritance tax on farmers promptly if the Conservatives take office. At the NFU conference, Reed engaged with attendees, facing heated questions and grievances about the impending tax changes. He outlined a comprehensive farming roadmap and food strategy aimed at enhancing food security and bolstering farm resilience against environmental adversities. As farmers clamored outside, Reed unveiled initiatives to support the sector, such as extending seasonal worker visas, promoting technology adoption, and prioritizing British-produced high-quality, high-welfare products in government contracts
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