The farming community in the UK is grappling with deep concerns regarding the government’s inheritance tax policy. During the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) annual conference held in Birmingham on March 14, 2023, NFU President Tom Bradshaw expressed the emotional toll this policy has taken on farmers, revealing that many have been left “in tears” due to the government’s actions.
Bradshaw highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by farmers over the past two years, marked by a protracted 14-month battle against the government’s inheritance tax raid. He pointed out that “farmer confidence has been the lowest on record,” stating that “survival has felt impossible” for many in the sector. The NFU summit opened with an acknowledgment of these challenges, underlining the urgency of the situation.
During his speech, Bradshaw wore a yellow welly pin, symbolizing support for Yellow Wellies, a charity that promotes mental health awareness within the agricultural community. He emphasized the burdens farmers carry, saying, “Not a single one of us wanted to spend 14 months fighting with the government.” This sentiment resonated deeply, especially as the sector has witnessed tragic losses due to mental health crises among farmers.
The conference also reflected on previous government interactions. Last year, then Environment Secretary Steve Reed received a cold reception from the farming community. In contrast, current Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds was welcomed more warmly when she addressed attendees later in the day.
Farmers have been vocal about their frustrations, staging protests in Whitehall to bring attention to their plight. They face numerous challenges, including extreme weather, profitability issues, and changes in funding. The fight against the inheritance tax, led by Rachel Reeves, has been a focal point of their advocacy efforts.
Although Sir Keir Starmer recently amended the inheritance tax threshold to £2.5 million, many farmers remain unsatisfied. Bradshaw stated that while this change is a positive step, the policy itself is still “fundamentally flawed.” He urged politicians to transform their public commitments to eliminate the family farm tax into formal manifesto promises.
As the conference progressed, Bradshaw shifted focus to the future, calling on the government to understand that “investment in food production today guarantees food security tomorrow.” This forward-looking approach underscores the need for sustainable policies that support the agriculture sector and ensure its viability in the coming years.
The NFU conference has brought to light the pressing need for government action in addressing the concerns of farmers. As the agricultural community continues to face significant challenges, the call for a reassessment of the inheritance tax policy remains strong. The emotional and financial stakes are high, and the farming sector is eager to see meaningful change.
