Morrisons’ boss backs farmers in IHT battle amid protests

Morrisons’ director of agriculture Sophie Throup has publicly defended the retailer’s commitment to supporting farmers amid growing concerns over proposed inheritance tax changes.

In a video posted on X, Ms Throup reiterated Morrisons’ long-standing support for British agriculture, emphasising the supermarket’s role in championing local farmers as they face significant challenges posed by the Labour government’s plans to implement inheritance tax (IHT) on farms from April 2026.

“Morrisons has always been proud to work alongside farmers, ensuring they receive fair prices for their produce and supporting them through the challenges they face,” said Ms Throup, who also farms at her home in Yorkshire.

See also: Farmers To Action launches day of national protests

“We are fully committed to fighting for our farmers, particularly when it comes to preserving the future of family farms, which are at risk under these proposed inheritance tax changes.”

It’s tough times for farmers. At Morrisons, we’re with you https://t.co/bhdalizKyH

— Sophie Throup (@SophieThroup1) January 11, 2025

Her comments come in the wake of increasing protests by farming groups, with one of the most notable demonstrations occurring on Friday 10 January.

Members of the group Farmers To Action organised a blockade at Morrisons’ Bridgwater depot in Somerset, which ran into the small hours of Saturday 11 January, disrupting deliveries in a direct response to the government’s proposed changes to IHT.

Photos of empty shelves at Morrisons’ store in Taunton were posted by Farmers To Action on Facebook. The group said this was a direct result of their protest at Bridgwater.

© Farmers To Action

© Farmers To Action

The protest highlighted widespread concerns that the tax reform could force family farms to sell up, devastating generational farming operations and damaging the wider rural economy.

Despite the protests, Ms Throup reassured customers and farmers that the retailer is actively engaging with policymakers to advocate for a fairer tax structure that protects the interests of the farming community.

She also stressed that Morrisons will continue to work closely with farming groups to ensure their voices are heard in the ongoing discussions with the government.

The Bridgwater blockade was just one of several actions organised by Farmers To Action, who have called for greater attention to the consequences of IHT on rural businesses.

Shadow Defra farming minister Robbie Moore praised Ms Throup’s intervention, saying, “As a Yorkshire farmer and head of agriculture at Morrisons, I know you understand how damaging the government’s changes are for our farming community. Huge well done to Morrisons for showing support.”

‘Major step’

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, external affairs director at the Countryside Alliance, added: “This is a major step in the fight to get Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves to see sense.

“Their tax hike threatens small family farms, which supermarkets depend on. We hope more chains join in and help force a government rethink before it’s too late.”

Over the weekend, farmers called on other retailers to set out their views on the government’s IHT plans, which, if implemented, will see farmers pay a 20% levy on land and property they inherit worth more than £1m.

Labour MP for Buckingham Callum Anderson labelled Ms Throup’s comments as an “interesting intervention” by “US private equity owned Morrisons,” which, he said, “paid £0 in UK corporation tax in 2023.”

Mr Anderson asked on X: “Amid concerns about staff and customer treatment, can Sophie Throup please clarify how Morrisons ensures farmers get fair prices while balancing private equity pressures?”

Protest criticism

Farmers To Action’s decision to blockade supermarket distribution centres has also been criticised by some farmers.

Pembrokeshire farmer Steve Evans questioned what the #Together group had to gain out of its support for Farmers To Action.

He commented on X: “You have no skin in the game but seem to want anarchy on the streets. Are you aware of the consequences farmers will face?

“North Wales Police is already hand delivering letters to farmers. Are you prepared to die on this hill of mass disruption and police action when it inevitably goes wrong? I am not alone in my concerns.”