NFU to intensify campaign against ‘family farm tax’

The NFU is ramping up its opposition to the government’s proposed ‘family farm tax’, with high-profile events planned for February and March.

At a meeting on Tuesday 28 January, the NFU Council voted overwhelmingly to support a “campaign moment” in London on 25 February, coinciding with the union’s annual conference at the QEII Centre in Westminster.

The NFU also announced its backing for a rally on 4 March in London, led by the same group of farmers who organised last November’s mass gathering in the capital.

See also: NFU holds day of unity to pressure government on IHT plans

The government’s proposed inheritance tax (IHT) changes, set to take effect in April 2026, would impose a 20% levy on agricultural assets valued over £1m.

Critics, including the NFU, argue that the tax will create significant challenges for family farms attempting to pass on their businesses to the next generation, with particular concern for younger farmers already facing an uncertain future.

‘Inhumane’ tax – Bradshaw

NFU president Tom Bradshaw called the tax “completely inhumane”, stressing its potential harm to farming families already struggling with instability.

“We are in the middle of co-ordinating a supply chain letter, which will be published next week,” Mr Bradshaw also revealed, adding: “If that supply chain can’t make the Chancellor listen, then I begin to wonder what can.”

Farmers will have an opportunity to speak directly to MPs at a drop-in session in parliament on 10 February, coinciding with a parliamentary debate on a petition signed by more than 145,000 people, urging the government to reconsider its IHT proposals.

On the same day, a tractor rally to Westminster, organised by Save British Farming, will call on prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to “change his tune” on the tax reform.

SBF founder Liz Webster said she was “delighted” that Mr Bradshaw had agreed to speak ar the rally on 10 February. 

Lengthy debate

The NFU’s support for the 4 March rally came after lengthy discussions within the council, where members debated whether to hold their own event or support the farmer-led demonstration.

The rally is being organised by well-known farmers, including Andrew Ward, Olly Harrison, and Clive Bailye, who led last November’s London Farming Rally, which attracted an estimated 45,000 participants.

Mr Ward told Farmers Weekly that, at the NFU Council meeting, he had encouraged the union to head up the 4 March rally. “I’d rather be a player on the pitch, directing affairs, than a spectator watching on,” he said.

The NFU has been accused by some farmers on social media of being too passive in its IHT campaign.

But speaking to Farmers Weekly, Mr Bradshaw defended the union’s stance, insisting that it is “a professional lobbying organisation and not a protest organisation”.