NFU launches toy appeal to highlight IHT impact on farms

The NFU is urging members to donate pre-loved toys that will be showcased at its annual conference and delivered to the chancellor as a symbol of the uncertain futures facing Britain’s farming children.

As part of its “Stop the Family Farm Tax” campaign, the NFU hopes to highlight the effect of proposed inheritance tax (IHT) changes on UK farming families.

The display will be held at its annual conference on 25 February at the QEII Centre in London and will showcase a variety of both old and new farming machinery, alongside the donated farm toys.

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

A multi-generational farming family will present toys to chancellor Rachel Reeves, sending a message that the toys represent the children of Britain’s farmers who may face uncertain futures in the industry.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “At our conference, we’ll show the strength of feeling among family farmers facing a lost future for their children.

“We urge members to send pre-loved toy tractors to show Rachel Reeves what’s at stake.

“Each toy represents a farm and a generation at risk due to this policy. We’ll keep fighting until the government listens to British farmers.”

This campaign comes as the NFU intensifies pressure on the government to reconsider changes to agricultural and business property relief ahead of the spending review in March.

Thousands of farmers gathered in London again on Monday 10 February to protest the proposed farm IHT.

More than 1,400 tractors travelled from across the UK, including from as far as Devon and Lincolnshire, to take part in the “Change Your Tune, Starmer” rally.

At the rally, NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “If the government thinks we will go away, they don’t understand you, farming, or farmers.”