A proposed inheritance tax change could force family farms in Britain to sell land, jeopardizing their future and impacting food security across the country.
Toddington: Charles Day, a farmer from Gloucestershire, is worried about family farms. He says a new inheritance tax plan could force many to sell their land. This change could end a farming tradition that has lasted for generations.
The Day family farm started in 1944 and has been passed down through four generations. Charles works with his family to keep the farm going. But he fears the new tax policies will make it hard to continue.
Charles explains that the new tax means they might have to sell a lot of land. They have ten years to pay it, but their profits aren’t enough to cover this extra tax. He points out that inheritance tax doesn’t consider what farmers can actually afford.
He believes this tax will hurt not just his farm but many others in Gloucestershire and the South West. Tenant farmers will also be affected, as landowners may sell land and evict them.
As the county chairman for the National Farmers’ Union, Charles is campaigning against these tax changes. He recently joined other farmers in London to talk to MPs about their concerns.
Charles says farmers are worried about the future. They need the government to understand how damaging this tax will be for food security in the UK.
He mentions global issues, like the war in Ukraine, and stresses the need for the UK to grow its own food. If they can’t farm, he asks, what will happen?
Charles also highlights unfairness in the food supply chain. Farmers produce safe and nutritious food but often don’t get paid fairly. They have to accept low prices, which isn’t sustainable.
Despite raising awareness, Charles feels the government isn’t listening. Some MPs support farmers, but he believes they need more engagement from Labour MPs to make a real difference.
He thinks the government should clarify its goals with the tax changes. If the aim is to break up family farms, they are succeeding. If they want to target large landowners, the rules need to change.
Charles believes farming is more than a job; it’s a calling. He loves living in a beautiful area and enjoys the harvest season, which brings the year’s hard work together.
However, farmers face challenges beyond taxes. Weather changes and post-Brexit subsidy reforms make farming unpredictable. The government keeps changing the rules, making it hard to plan.
Charles encourages the public to support farmers by signing petitions and contacting their MPs. They want to explain their situation without resorting to protests.
The message is clear: farmers want to ensure British agriculture continues for future generations. They see themselves as caretakers of the land, not just profit-seekers.
A government spokesperson stated their commitment to farmers. They plan to invest £5 billion into farming over the next two years and reform inheritance tax rules to help estates.
They believe these changes will support food production and benefit farmers across the country.
