The government has just outlined plans to hold a technical consultation on the draft legislation, including on inheritance tax, to ensure it “works as intended” before the next Finance Bill, which will take place in autumn 2025.

NFU explained that this is a common process in the development of a Finance Bill, but given the “appalling consequences” of this legislation, the union said it will be holding the government to account on every element of this policy.

A spokesperson for the union said: “The NFU has repeatedly provided evidence that the current policy does not achieve the government’s intentions of closing a loophole, protecting family farms, or generating as much revenue as it should. Nor do we agree that it is ‘not expected to have a material impact on food security’.

“On the other hand, the NFU’s ‘clawback’ solution would allow the Treasury to raise the revenue it seeks without tearing apart farming families or jeopardising domestic food production.”

‘This is a moment that demands listening, compassion and action’

Since the Budget in November 2024, swathes of MPs from all parties, including members of the government’s own backbenches, alongside county councils, farming and business organisations, the food supply chain and over a quarter of a million members of the British public have joined the call to stop the family farm tax.

Even the Office for Budget Responsibility and the government’s own EFRA Committee have highlighted the impact these reforms will have on vulnerable elderly farmers.

Throughout the summer, NFU members have also made their voices heard. At county shows across the country, thousands of letters and postcards were collected from farmers and the public to be sent directly to MPs – each sharing personal stories of how this tax will devastate their family farms.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “At the heart of this battle are the elderly farmers who have devoted their entire lives to growing food for the country and supporting their rural communities. They should not become collateral damage.

“To see them face such uncertainty, knowing the legacy they and their families have worked hard for and grown could be ripped away by this tax, is heartbreaking. I cannot begin to imagine the fear many must be feeling right now – their homes, their livelihoods and everything they’ve worked for is under threat.”

Mr Bradshaw said that he has spoken directly to the prime minister and treasury exchequer secretary James Murray about the “disastrous” impact of this tax.

“Yet, despite our persistent efforts, chancellor Rachel Reeves still refuses to meet us to discuss our alternative ‘clawback’ proposal. The Treasury claims our solution will raise less revenue but is refusing to release the modelling on how it came to this conclusion,” he continued.

Mr Bradshaw added that the issue with the family farm tax goes far beyond farming. “The food and farming sector supports millions of jobs, fuels our domestic food supply and contributes billions to the UK economy. When you undermine farm businesses, you undermine a vital part of our national infrastructure. If this legislation goes ahead, it will unquestionably have devastating and irreversible impacts on the country, and it is so poorly designed that it will inevitably have to be changed in the future.

“The prime minister must now take his own advice and listen to the overwhelming evidence that the current policy will not work as intended. To ignore the consequences this tax will bring would be a betrayal of the very people who feed our nation. We cannot stand by and watch the backbone of the countryside be broken when there is a credible alternative being offered.

“This is a moment that demands listening, compassion and action. The government needs to sit down with farming representatives to find a solution that protects the future of our domestic food production – before it is too late.”

READ MORE: ‘Madness’ of IHT reforms revealed, says farming community

READ MORE: Latest IHT report paints ‘catastrophic’ picture of family farming businesses

‘Tax burden on businesses, not wealth’

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Victoria Vyvyan said that the ending of vital inheritance tax reliefs will “crush” farming and family businesses.

“But the Treasury remains deaf, blind and indifferent to the damage to the economy. The CLA has made clear and costed the consequences of this ideological folly: the loss of jobs and the reduction in GVA. Together the industry has offered a sensible alternative via the ‘clawback’ mechanism. The Treasury has given no reason for failing to consider an alternative.

“This is not an impact assessment; it reads like an amateur note from an arrogant government setting and marking its own homework and simply not understanding businesses and food security.

“To be clear, this is a tax burden on businesses, not wealth, delivered without consultation and with derisory engagement. Farmers and family businesses are the backbone of the economy and deserve to be heard by a government that seems hell-bent on pressing ahead, indifferent to the slow but inevitable train crash.”

READ MORE: East Anglia farmers meet with shadow minister: ‘We feel undervalued’

Review your situation

Mark Charter, head of estate management at Carter Jonas, added: “After months of protests and government lobbying, many farmers and landowners have been waiting to see if any concessions will be made in the implementation of inheritance tax reforms.

“Now the draft Bill has been published, we recommend that any farming families who haven’t already started reviewing the practical and legal implications of the legislation begin doing so quickly.”

Mr Charter explained that this should include business ownership, partnership agreements, and different structures that can be used for holding property in multi-generational families. Farmers and landowners should also discuss will planning, lifetime gifts, and life insurance.

“While this legislation will not come into force before April 2026, we cannot rule out the possibility of the government making further changes affecting tax planning in its October Budget,” he concluded.

READ MORE: NFU Cymru president urges PM to change IHT proposals ahead of L-Day

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The prospect of changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) was not a pressing concern for the vast majority of visitors to the Royal Welsh Show in 2024.

However, 12 months later, thousands of farming families are arriving at the four-day show facing “huge anxiety”, with the elderly placed in a particularly “difficult and invidious position”.

After being contacted by hundreds of Welsh farming families impacted by the family farm tax, the NFU Cymru president said he has been “compelled” to write to Sir Keir Starmer.

‘L-Day’

Mr Jones sent the letter to 10 Downing Street on the eve of ‘Legislation Day’, or ‘L-Day’, on Monday 21st July, when the UK government publishes draft tax clauses to be included in the next Finance Bill.

It is anticipated that the draft APR legislation could be among the tax measures published by the UK government.

On what could now be a significant legislative landmark for the inheritance tax reforms – and with time running out ahead of the APR changes coming into effect from April 2026 – Mr Jones has called upon the Prime Minister to mitigate against the “devastating human impacts” of his government’s policy.

The letter

In the letter, the NFU Cymru president expressed his concerns that the number of farm businesses which stand to be impacted by this policy change will be far greater than Treasury predictions.

He continued: ‘What pains me more than anything is the sheer number of elderly farmers who, having worked hard all their lives, now find themselves tormented with the continual worry that their passing will create an unmanageable financial burden for their loved ones.

‘Across our nation, there are countless examples of farmers in their twilight years having to deal with complex tax and legal considerations, at a time in life when even minor decisions can be a source of considerable apprehension. For many of these people, either due to age or health issues, there is no recourse to insurance cover to meet tax liabilities.’

Mr Jones said that he knows that no government would want to place anyone in the difficult and invidious position that many elderly farmers now find themselves in.

‘My view remains that an opportunity still exists for your government to mitigate very many of the human impacts of these policy proposals, whilst meeting the government’s aim of raising revenue,’ he added.

As part of the NFU and NFU Cymru’s ongoing #StopTheFamilyFarmTax campaign, the unions are encouraging visitors to the Royal Welsh Showground to pledge their support by scanning the QR codes posted on the NFU Cymru building and the NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual marquee.

The unions are also making support available to farmers to help them write a letter to their local MP outlining the impact of the proposals on their business.

READ MORE: First minister faces backlash from Welsh farming community

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The UK government explained that the strategy, called ‘Good Food Cycle’, identifies ten priority outcomes needed to build a thriving food sector while tackling challenges from rising obesity rates to climate change impacts on production, representing a ‘pivotal milestone’ in the government’s work to develop a comprehensive food strategy. 

DEFRA said that key outcomes to create a good food cycle include an improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales. 

The plan also covers access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options as well as outlines conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity and fairer, more transparent supply chains. 

DEFRA said that building stronger, more resilient food supply chains protects Britain from potential disruptions and strengthens our national security.  

Minister for food security Daniel Zeichner, said: “Food security is national security – we need a resilient food system that can weather any storm while ensuring families across the country can access affordable, healthy food.    

“The Good Food Cycle represents a major milestone. We are actively defining the outcomes we want from our food system to deliver a whole system change that will help the amazing businesses that feed our nation to grow and thrive, which means more jobs and stronger local economies, while making it easier for families to eat and feel better.    

“This isn’t just about what’s on our plates today, it’s about building a stronger food system for generations to come, supporting economic growth, health and opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.” 

‘Resilient food system is a necessity’

NFU said that the government’s ‘Good Food Cycle’ is a much-needed step in the development of its food strategy, but joined-up and pragmatic policy measures must sit behind it. 

The union explained that the strategy relies heavily on the success of programmes such as the Land Use Framework and the 25-year farming roadmap. 

The NFU has called for food production to be given the same level of prioritisation within these as climate and environmental outcomes.  

NFU president Tom Bradshaw pointed out that the strategy fails to recognise that farms are commercial businesses and must be profitable if they are to deliver sustainable and nutritious food for the nation, care for the environment and contribute to economic growth.   

He added: “The food system is complex, and it’s good to see ambitions for this strategy to span across government departments. I welcome the positive things within the strategy around investment in productivity and resilience to risk and shock.  

“While DEFRA is holding a review into farm profitability, there is a lack of joined-up thinking, as evidenced in this food strategy, that farms are commercial businesses and to succeed, they must be profitable. This poses a real risk to British farming’s ability to deliver sustainable and nutritious food for the nation, care for the environment and contribute to economic growth.” 

Mr Bradshaw said that while a long-term strategy is important, the development of policy behind it has to move at pace to provide much-needed certainty in the short term and restore farmer confidence.   

“These policies should value the contribution of our food and drink sector, the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, which is worth more than £148 billion to the economy and provides jobs for four million people.  

“We need everyone in government to recognise that a resilient food system is not just an ambition but a necessity, and that a thriving, profitable farming industry is critical to delivering this,” he concluded.  

READ MORE: Could you help Baroness Batters shape farm profitability review?

British farmers need backing 

Jim Moseley, CEO of Red Tractor, has welcomed the news by saying: “Red Tractor is very supportive of a comprehensive food strategy for the UK that supports local food systems, domestic production and upholds British standards.  

“We would welcome the opportunity to continue to work with the government to understand the role of assurance in delivering the strategy. Over the past 25 years, industry-wide efforts to ensure the safety, traceability and standards of production of British food have regained the trust of UK consumers.” 

Mr Moseley added that this new strategy must build on that collective effort by backing British farmers, connecting entire supply chains and making sure standards are not undermined by foreign food imports.

READ MORE: UK farming ‘can’t give any more’ in US trade negotiations  

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On Tuesday, 8th July, first minister of Wales Eluned Morgan was asked by Welsh Conservative shadow rural affairs secretary, Samuel Kurtz, how confident she was that the latest version of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) would not spark a large-scale protest at the Senedd. 

The first minister said that the agricultural community needs to be supported, but added: “Boy, are they supported – £250 million of funding per annum.” 

“That’s quite a big amount of support for a sector that contributes less than 1% to the GDP of the country,” she continued. 

The SFS was originally delayed last year after widespread protests, largely around concerns about the 10% tree cover rule.

Welsh representative body CLA Cymru said this framing is “deeply misleading” and at best fails to reflect the foundational role agriculture plays across multiple sectors of the rural economy. At worst, it shows a deep misunderstanding of the rural economy. 

Victoria Bond, director of CLA Cymru, said: “This statement risks undermining the months of constructive engagement between Welsh Government and rural stakeholders in developing the Sustainable Farming Scheme.”  

Ms Bond added that the comment also reveals a lack of understanding about the structure of the Welsh rural economy. 

“Farming may represent a modest proportion of direct GDP, but it is the bedrock of a wider supply chain worth billions. From food processing and exports to tourism and environmental delivery. 

“If we reduce agriculture to a line on a GVA chart, we miss its vital function: sustaining 90% of our landscape, underpinning our food security, and delivering the raw materials and stewardship that so much of our national economy depends on.

“We urge all politicians, especially as we approach the 2026 election, to speak to the facts and to the full value of rural Wales,” she continued.  

‘Hopelessly reductive’ 

Thomas Homfray, vice-chairman of CLA Cymru, added that assessing the sector’s value on the basis of GDP is “hopelessly reductive”. 

“It’s a short-termist, superficial approach that has contributed to many of the crises we now face. It also directly contradicts the Welsh Government’s own curriculum, where my children have spent the year learning about the critical importance of food production and nature recovery. 

“Does the first minister not see farming and the countryside as essential to the solution? Rural Wales is not a cost centre; it is a strategic asset that delivers value across all fronts.” 

CLA Cymru is calling for cross-party recognition of the sector’s real-world contribution ahead of the Royal Welsh Show, where it will formally launch its rural manifesto ahead of the 2026 elections, called ‘This is rural’. 

The manifesto includes six evidence-based asks to support the next Welsh Government in unlocking rural economic potential through farming, land use, housing, tourism, energy and digital infrastructure.   

A route to the 74% of the electorate who are rural-based and the foundation for the next election. 

READ MORE: Thousands of wellies on display at Senedd in protest of SFS policy proposals

READ MORE: Why did rural affairs minister refuse to talk about farmers’ SFS concerns?

‘We are the solution to your problem’

Welsh campaign group Digon YW Digon (Enough is Enough) said that the first minister should be “very careful” not to push the farming community too far. 

They added: ‘Don’t underestimate the strength in the industry. We shall stand up for our previous generation that worked the land, fed the nation and protected the wildlife and habitat, and it’s our part to challenge your policy to protect the future.

‘We are the solution to your problem. You might need us more than we need you.’

‘Don’t kick the people that are already down’

Welsh sheep and beef farmer Gareth Wyn Jones also spoke out on social media: “Oh boy, oh boy, Eluned Morgan, I don’t think she really realises the importance of the agricultural sector in Wales, and what we mean to our culture, our language, our landscape, our climate and everything that surrounds it. 

“Listening to that answer in the Senedd to Samuel Kurtz’s question really shows us that we’ve got no chance that SFS is going to work. It’s sad because this industry is already on its knees, emotionally, physically, mentally.  

“And our first minister comes up with a comment like we are not even 1% of GDP, which I totally disagree with. I think we are at a lot more than 1%, and I think we keep everybody fed, and we protect our environment, we protect our countryside. 

“Yes, all communities need support. Don’t kick the people that are already down. Take a little bit of advice, don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” 

‘Farmers play an essential role in Wales’s economy’

Responding to the backlash, a spokesperson for the Welsh Government said: “Farmers play an essential role in Wales’s economy, as the first minister has repeatedly made clear.

“They provide food, care for our environment, support rural communities and help protect the Welsh language.

“We look forward to making the final scheme announcement on the Sustainable Farming Scheme shortly.” 

READ MORE: Support schemes announced by Welsh Government ahead of SFS introduction called ‘logical step forward’

READ MORE: Farmers call for flexibility within SFS to avoid “irreversible damage”

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It comes amidst serious concerns that the US will demand even greater access to the UK agricultural market in return for reducing or removing the additional 10% tariffs applied by president Trump earlier this year, NFU explained.  

A key concern is that this could include concessions for US agri-food items that have been produced using methods that are illegal here and fail to meet the UK’s high animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards.  

At an extraordinary board meeting convened by the NFU, comprising elected farmer and grower representatives across food-producing sectors, it was made clear that UK farming can give no more without suffering serious impacts on its own viability.  

The board concluded that the deal UK and US agreed on in May is the most the agriculture sector can carry.  

READ MORE: How will the US trade deal affect UK farmers?

‘Agriculture sector has already done its bit’

This deal saw the UK livestock and arable sectors taking the hit in order to reduce significant tariffs on other sectors of the economy, such as cars, steel and aluminium.  

At the time, this was a necessary burden to bear to protect the wider UK economy but warned the agricultural sector could not shoulder any more as negotiations continued, NFU said. 

Now, the union is calling for a commitment that agriculture will not be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations to reduce the remaining 10% tariffs and is asking the government to be prepared to walk away rather than risk our domestic food and farming sector. 

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “It’s understandable that the UK government wants to eliminate the 10% tariffs on all goods going to the US, but we have to ask – what is the cost?  

“The US has made it crystal clear that they want greater access to our market for their agricultural produce, and it is not afraid to throw its weight around to get what it wants.”

Mr Bradshaw said that the UK agriculture sector “has already done its bit”, paying with access to the nation’s beef and ethanol markets to reduce tariffs on cars, aluminium and steel. We have nothing more to give.  

“It’s worth noting that our government has upheld its side of the deal announced in May, with legislation now in place to allow this additional access for American imports of beef and ethanol. Yet the US is dragging its feet to uphold its side of the bargain with no sign of the promised access to the US beef market,” he continued. 

Mr Bradshaw said that the UK cannot continue to “barter away” critical sectors such as food production in pursuit of tariff reductions. 

“The tariffs may never materialise, and that simply takes us back to where we were before ‘Liberation Day’. 

“Our government has stood firm so far to protect our most sensitive farming sectors and to safeguard our high welfare, environmental and food safety standards. It has to continue to do so by taking further agricultural concessions off the negotiating table, or we run the serious risk of crippling our country’s ability to produce its own food and undermining our food production values. 

“And if push comes to shove and the US doesn’t accept this, I hope our government would prioritise its own farming sector – the foundation of our nation’s food security – over any further deal with the US, even if it means accepting the 10% tariffs,” the NFU president concluded. 

READ MORE: Govt warned to protect British farmers in UK-Gulf trade deal 

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Speaking at Groundswell, the environment secretary reminded attendees that Environmental Land Management schemes will increase by 150% to £2 billion by 2029, and a further £400 million will be available from other nature schemes, including projects for tree planting and peatland restoration. 

“This is the biggest financial investment in nature-friendly farming in our country’s history. 

“Take a moment to compare this to 2017, when Groundswell first started. Back then, £350 million was invested into ELMs’ predecessor.

“Thanks to your efforts, nature-friendly farming has come a very long way in the past nine years. There are now over 39,000 SFI agreements producing fantastic results for nature. That’s something to celebrate,” he said.

‘Budgets can’t be unlimited’

Discussing the SFI, Mr Reed said the government cannot keep spending money over the budget. 

“Once you’ve spent a budget, you can’t keep spending it or you damage the economy, and we’re not doing that. 

“Those farmers who missed out at the time the scheme closed to new applicants will be able to make claims once it reopens. But budgets can’t be unlimited, so we need to make sure we focus that public money where it’s going to make the biggest impact,” he said. 

Mr Reed confirmed that more details of our reformed SFI offer will be provided later this summer.  

“We are working with farmers to shape the scheme, which will start accepting applications in the new year,” he added. 

Defra has also confirmed that the SFI 2024 will reopen to eligible participants from midday on 7th July. Farmers will only be able to apply for the reopened group if they were one of the exception groups previously announced by Defra.

‘Clarity is needed’

Responding, the NFU urged DEFRA to ensure that the updated Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme works for all farmers.  

NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “It’s encouraging to hear the DEFRA secretary reaffirm his commitment to ELMs and the principle of rewarding farmers for the public goods they deliver for the environment while producing food for the nation. 

“SFI was always meant to be a simple, accessible scheme that supports work to improve the environment alongside food production. We will continue to engage with DEFRA to discuss how this can be achieved, provided there is openness and transparency.” 

Mr Exwood added that the choice and flexibility in the SFI worked for farmers, and so any discussion about targeting and packaging must be based on clear evidence.  

“While the DEFRA secretary’s remarks are broad, they lack the clarity needed as cashflow pressures mount and direct payments rapidly decline. Farmers now need to see detail on the future shape of SFI so they can better understand how it will work for them.  

“We firmly share DEFRA’s ambition to support profitable and sustainable farm businesses. Achieving that goal depends on making the SFI scheme work for all farmers, regardless of size, sector, or location. If the aim is for SFI to help farming deliver environmental benefits, then excluding large areas of English farmland from the scheme would be counterproductive,” he concluded. 

READ MORE: £100m cuts announced: ‘Farmers will need to do more with less’

READ MORE: DEFRA criticised for sharp fall in delinked payments

Groundswell’s special guest

Groundswell 2025 was also attended by the Prince of Wales who offered British farmers his “respect and encouragement”. 

He told the visitors: that farmers have a “huge role to play”, however, they cannot do it alone. He noted that the country also needs to rely on retailers, food manufacturers, and the general public.  

“As consumers, we must re-educate ourselves on what we eat, where it comes from, and the true cost of its production,” the Duke of Cornwall added. 

Prince William highlighted that farming “is not simply the act of growing food, it is much bigger than that”. 

“It is the stewardship of the land, the health of our soils, the purity of our water, and the resilience of our rural society in harmony with nature.”

READ MORE: Prince William pays respects to British farmers during Groundswell event

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NFU explained that the change recognises the unique nature of farming operations, ensuring farmers can provide accommodation for incoming agricultural workers, regardless of whether they are employed directly or self-employed.

Without it, the Bill would only allow properties to be regained for employed workers, leaving some farm businesses struggling to accommodate self-employed workers.

The NFU worked closely with Lord Carrington to redraft the amendment and has spent recent weeks securing cross-party support, including at a breakfast in Westminster hosted by NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos for senior peers.

While this result does not mean the amendment is yet law, it marks a major step forward in making sure the final Bill takes into account the real-world needs of farming businesses, the union said.

‘Step in the right direction’

NFU president Tom Bradshaw added: “This is a step in the right direction when it comes to protecting rural businesses and ensuring housing remains available for essential workers.

“Farmers rely on being able to house their workers – including self-employed staff who play a vital role in food production. Without this amendment, businesses could face real difficulties planning for their workforce and keeping their day-to-day operations running smoothly.

“This has been an area the NFU has been working on in the background for many months, and I’d like to thank Lord Carrington for his support.”

Mr Bradshaw said it is encouraging to see that the Lords recognise how important this issue is to farming. However, the NFU president added that “there is more to do”.

“We hope the government will take this opportunity to reflect on the strength of support for these amendments and adopt them as part of the Bill. We stand ready to work with ministers to get this legislation right for British farming,” he concluded.

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The department confirmed that EA farm inspections are set to increase by around 50%.

A spokesperson for DEFRA explained: “The boost in funding will help the EA offer more guidance to farmers, strengthen links with supply chains and farm networks, make better use of technology like remote sensing, and take stronger action against serious or ongoing pollution.

“It will see the expected number of inspections reach a record 6,000 a year by 2029, supported by more investment in advice-led regulation.”

DEFRA said that the EA’s approach sees officers visiting farms to check compliance with environmental law. If rules are broken, farmers are told what to fix and given a deadline in writing as part of the enforcement process.

The decision follows a meeting between the farming minister Daniel Zeichner and water minister Emma Hardy alongside various groups where it was agreed to start a programme aimed at making farming rules clearer and better to help reduce and prevent pollution on farm.

The EA confirmed 4,545 farm inspections were carried out last year.

READ MORE: £100m cuts announced: ‘Farmers will need to do more with less’

‘Farmers need the right tools’

NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos responded to the news by saying that while the NFU supports proportionate regulation to uphold environmental standards, “any increase in Environment Agency inspections must be targeted, evidence-based and focused on advice-led improvement, not simply enforcement”.

“Farmers are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment – it’s central to how we farm and produce food.

“Clearly, there is much more we can do to improve water quality, but this is a challenge we cannot face alone. Farmers need the right tools – from investment in slurry storage, access to new technologies, advice and a supportive and enabling planning system.

“With the right approach and long-term support, farmers can continue to deliver sustainable food production while enhancing soil health, boosting climate resilience and be transformative for the quality of water in our rivers.”

In mid-June DEFRA released an overview of farming funding for the years between 2026 and 2029.

It has been announced that delinked Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments will be significantly cut next year.

DEFRA said that to maintain the overall farming budget and to increase investment in environmental land management, the government plans to “phase-out” delinked payments.

READ MORE: Farmers asked about their views on EA charges increase

READ MORE: Could you help Baroness Batters shape farm profitability review?

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The meeting that took place yesterday, 26th June, was organised by Suffolk’s agricultural chaplain Graham Miles. Dozens of farmers from across East Anglia attended the discussion to voice their concerns about Labour government policies, including changes to inheritance tax, the unexpected SFI application closure and cheap food imports. 

Shadow minister Robbie Moore promised to take the issues to other members of parliament and reopen the discussion of possible caps or a ‘clawback’ on the IHT policy change. 

Russel Abbott, third-generation Suffolk farmer and organiser of local farmers’ demonstrations, said during the meeting: “My father is 81 years old, and he still works seven days a week. I think that farming has to be in your blood to want to keep doing it for little or sometimes no reward. 

“We’re simply trying to exist at the moment, but the government expects us to pay 20% inheritance tax. Having daughters myself, I think that when they inherit the farm, they will have to pay the same tax again. All this in an industry with too much red tape.” 

Mr Abbott added that the farming industry should be protected by the government and food security should be the priority. 

‘Politicians should help us rather than work against us’

Young farmer Harry Suckling from Holbrook said he attended the meeting to talk to MP Moore about what the Conservative Party could do for farmers if it gets into power again. 

“It would be nice to know that they’re right up to speed with how we’re feeling and what the feeling is on the ground. Politicians should help us rather than work against us like the current government does. 

“However, we’ve organised many events like this, and they still don’t seem to be listening to our concerns. They haven’t even come to the table yet to talk about it,” he continued. 

Harry said that currently “everything is against farmers”, including weather and the government. 

Harry’s father, Chris Suckling, added: “I, as a farmer, feel undervalued. I feel like the government has let us down. It has let the whole industry down. 

“I don’t want it to happen, but I sometimes feel like it would be good if we had some way of making the country feel hungry to value us again, like they did after the Second World War.” 

‘Catastrophic consequences’

In response to the points presented by East Anglia farmers, Mr Moore, who highlighted his agricultural background, said that farmers and farming representatives, such as NFU and CLA, have done a great job of uniting and putting their case against changes to IHT before the government. 

He continued: “What’s been incredibly frustrating is the government has not shown any chink in their armour so far in being willing to either accept this or realise the negative impact of it on food security, or indicate that they’re willing to change before this decision is voted on. 

“We have until the autumn period to make sure that the government absolutely realises the negative impacts of all of this. This isn’t just a financial impact. This legislation will have impacts on the emotional health and livelihoods of farming families.” 

Mr Moore added that the Conservatives are promising a return to 100% agricultural property relief and business property relief, if they regain power at the next election. 

“The consequences of no change being made by any government minister will not only be catastrophic to farming family businesses but will also be catastrophic for UK food production, as well as for the next generations of farmers,” he concluded. 

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The government has recently set out its ten-year plan to “make the UK the best country to invest in worldwide”, with its new Industrial Strategy highlighting agri-tech as a key area for growth with £200m to target innovation.

The Industrial Strategy includes targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow, while introducing reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

The strategy targets eight key sectors and technologies that can drive economic growth, with agri-tech highlighted as a ‘frontier’ industry within advanced manufacturing. It also recognises the opportunities for precision breeding as part of engineering biology within the digital and technology sector.

‘Win-win for the nation’

The government has announced it will allocate £200 million for the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP) between now and 2030, offering targeted funding to drive innovation in agriculture.

In addition, a new Agri-Tech Export Accelerator Programme will help high-growth agri-tech businesses identify the best international markets for their products and give them the tools and support they need to succeed overseas and build strong supply chains.

DEFRA confirmed that developments in these areas will help boost the profits of farmers and growers, and improve the sector’s resilience for the future.

Farming minister Daniel Zeichner said that driving innovation and growth in agri-tech is a “win-win for the nation”.

“Not only can we create jobs, strengthen economic resilience and ensure food security is maintained, we can boost the profits of farmers and growers through innovation. The Industrial Strategy, a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, sets out a clear long-term plan for the nation to get Britain’s future back,” he continued.

The UK agri-food chain contributes £147 billion in in economic value to the country. The number of agri-tech start-ups in the UK has increased approximately 40-fold in the last decade, employing more than 30,000, DEFRA said.

The modern Industrial Strategy aims to make the UK the best country to invest in and grow a business — including in agri-tech — by supporting the development and commercial use of new technologies to help farmers grow more food, increase profits, and protect the environment.

‘Harming has the potential to be a key driver in future growth’

The NFU said it lobbied government departments, including the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), to get agriculture included to help boost its value to the country even further.

The union explained that having agri-tech and precision breeding technology as areas of focus within the growth sector plan means there should be greater opportunities for farmers and growers to contribute to the government’s growth agenda, increasing their ability to create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost productivity and drive investment in sustainable food, fibre and energy production.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “Since winning the election almost a year ago, the government has repeatedly said it wants to deliver growth. As the backbone of the food and drink industry – the UK’s largest manufacturing sector – farming is in a great position to contribute to this.

“The UK agriculture sector is world-class with innovative and tech-hungry farm businesses. With the right investment, farming has the potential to be a key driver in future growth, and that’s why we have been pushing hard for it to be included in the Industrial Strategy. We already have proposals within our Blueprints for Growth to support the government’s goals and intend to feed these in as part of next steps.

“This focus on agri-tech should help farming businesses become more productive, sustainable and resilient and ultimately deliver even more for the British people and the government’s growth ambition.”

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