Farmers across England are warning that the future of family farming could be at risk as dissatisfaction grows over proposed inheritance tax reforms.
The planned changes, which are due to come into force from April 2026, will overhaul the rules around agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR), two long-standing tax measures that allow family farms to be inherited without incurring heavy inheritance taxes.
Organizers from campaign group Farmers to Action, which is collecting support online, say the Unity Day demonstrations will highlight the impact the reforms will have on the viability of family farming and the wider rural economy.
The scheme is already in place in Devon, Somerset, Southampton, Oxford, Northampton, Suffolk, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, and will be confirmed in more areas in the coming days. Supporters are asking local coordinators to get involved and spread the word by contacting local coordinators.
The call to action sparked widespread participation from across the farming community, with organizers describing the response as “amazing” and saying “momentum is building”.
The initiative encourages farmers and supporters to gather in prominent locations along roads, where their presence can garner attention and public support.
Campaign promoters stress that participation does not depend on size or scale. “No group is too small,” organizers said, adding that even “two or three local people” can make a difference.
They argue that visibility is key and many of the planned gathering points will be located on major roads to ensure maximum effectiveness. Farmers are being reminded that large convoys are not essential. Every tractor, vehicle or visible show of support contributes to the broader message.
Farmers To Action says the campaign is about standing up for British farming and protecting the ability of future generations to carry on family businesses.
“Our industry has great public support,” one message read. “People want us to continue producing the best British food in the world and most understand why this action is necessary.”
This concerted show of solidarity follows months of farmers’ frustration with policy uncertainty, falling farm prices, and rising costs.
While the November 24 demonstration was described as peaceful and community-focused, organizers say it aims to send a clear message to policymakers that changes to inheritance tax relief must not come at the expense of family farms and rural livelihoods.
