Farmers to take tractors to supermarkets in IHT fight

Frustrated farmers are preparing for a national protest on Friday 17 January to oppose the government’s controversial plans to introduce a farm inheritance tax (IHT) that could come into effect in April 2026.

The protest will involve farmers driving their tractors to local supermarkets and peacefully parking in the car parks for a few hours.

The aim is to showcase the strength of the farming community and continue the pressure on Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government over the damaging impact of the Autumn Budget on UK agriculture.

See also: Farmers Weekly Podcast Ep 231: London ‘farm tax’ protest special

Organised by a coalition of farmers and supported by the organisers of the London Tractor Rally and other recent demonstrations, the protest will specifically target the planned introduction of the farm IHT.

The measure could seriously affect family-run farms, which are already struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty.

The protest is being seen as an effort to draw attention to the potential harm to farmers, particularly those involved in inheritance planning for the future of their businesses.

Clive Bailye, a Staffordshire farmer and key organiser of the large-scale London Farming Rally last November, is helping to coordinate this latest protest.

Mr Bailye is working alongside farmers from across the UK, including the Midland Farmers group and Welsh farming leader Gareth Wyn Jones, to rally support for the event.

“Supermarkets have been chosen as a good location for farmers to engage peacefully with as much of the public as possible,” said Mr Bailye.

“We hope to gain more public support by highlighting the essential connection between farming and food production.”

Farmers are encouraged to decorate their tractors with banners and to park at the supermarkets in a non-disruptive manner. While the focus is on tractors, those who cannot bring one are invited to use farm pickups, with double-cab vehicles preferred.

Staying within the law

Participating farmers are being encouraged to make small purchases, such as tea, coffee, or a cleaning product, to validate the use of red diesel fuel and parking spaces.

The protest will be coordinated at the local level, with farmers organising through WhatsApp groups and The Farming Forum website to determine where they will gather.

While the protest is designed to be legal and peaceful, organisers stress that it is a powerful signal to the government that farmers are prepared for more disruptive actions, if necessary.

“It will cost you nothing more than your time,” Mr Bailye said. “We really need to make this a big event to send a strong message to government.”