Farmers rally in Melton Mowbray against ‘family farm tax’

Farmers and supporters gathered in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, on Monday 9 December, to protest the government’s “family farm tax” and other damaging anti-farming policies.

Central to their concerns was Labour’s Autumn Budget, which proposes scrapping inheritance tax (IHT) relief for farmers, cutting Basic Payments, and increasing taxes on essential farm equipment and fertilisers.

See also: Hundreds of tractors to rumble London for farmer rally

The rally, organised by the recently formed Midland Farmers group, featured a striking display of agricultural machinery, including a £400,000 modern forage harvester alongside a £40,000 model from the 1990s.

This stark comparison highlighted the rising costs faced by farmers, while wheat prices and government support have stagnated.

Event organiser Simon Orson, one of six farmers behind the rally, said: “Farmers are still being paid £170/t for wheat while support is being slashed. This event is a call for the government to take our struggles seriously.”

Around 40 tractors circled the marketplace, creating a visible show of solidarity.

Speeches from farmers Andrew Ward, Tom Lamb, Rebecca Wilson, Jess Sharpe, and Paul Toms, as well as local Conservative MP Edward Argar, highlighted the challenges farmers face.

Speaking from a farm trailer adorned with the banner “Midland Farmers Fighting for the Future of Farming,” the speakers warned of the generational threat to British agriculture from the farm IHT proposals, which are set to be imposed on farmers from April 2026.

‘Just the beginning’

Lincolnshire arable farmer Andrew Ward, who was also involved in last month’s London Farming Rally, told the crowd: “This is just the beginning. If the government won’t listen, we will keep fighting.

“Farmers are resilient, and they’ve picked a fight with the wrong industry.”

Public support was evident, with locals turning out in large numbers to back the farmers.

“The rally was well-received, and I hope it inspires more protests nationwide,” said Mr Orson.

Midland Farmers aims to maintain momentum, with hopes that the rally will catalyse further action to protect the future of British farming.