British farmers have issued stark warnings of potential militant action following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ controversial inheritance tax reforms, which could significantly impact the agricultural sector’s future. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president, Tom Bradshaw, has described the changes as a “dramatic blow” to farming families across the nation.
The contentious budget reforms introduce a 20 per cent tax on agricultural assets worth more than £1 million, set to take effect from April 2026. The Treasury estimates these changes will generate £520 million by 2028/29, though significant discrepancies exist between government and NFU figures regarding the number of affected farms.
NFU analysis suggests 66 per cent of farms could be impacted, contrasting sharply with Treasury projections of 27 per cent. This substantial disparity has sparked intense debate within the agricultural community, with many farmers expressing profound concerns about their ability to pass on family enterprises to the next generation.
The practical implications of these changes mean farmers can pass on £1 million of agricultural assets inheritance tax-free, alongside existing exemptions of £325,000, plus an additional £175,000 for main residences. For married couples, these combined allowances currently permit tax-free asset transfers of up to £3 million.
Paul Tompkins, a dairy farmer from the Vale of York, exemplifies the concerns of many in the sector. With a 400-strong cattle herd and two teenage children, he faces the prospect of his descendants either taking on substantial debt or selling land to meet tax obligations. The NFU estimates these changes could affect up to three-quarters of UK food production.
The government maintains its support for the changes, with Defra representatives asserting that most farmers claiming relief will remain unaffected. However, the agricultural community’s unprecedented response suggests a growing rift between policymakers and those directly impacted by these reforms.
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