Almost all farmers surveyed believe the government does not value or recognize agriculture’s contribution to society, according to a new survey.
The findings come from a post-Budget survey of nearly 500 farmers during what many industry observers describe as one of the most turbulent years in recent memory.
The survey is part of Farmers Guardian’s Save Britain’s Family Farms campaign, which aims to capture sentiment in the wake of proposed inheritance tax changes that farmers say threaten the future of family businesses.
Despite the Government’s decision just before Christmas to increase the proposed IHT threshold from £1m to £2.5m per spouse, confidence in the sector remains extremely low.
Just 11% of respondents said they would consider voting Labor at the next general election, even if the party completely scrapped the proposed IHT changes.
The impact on corporate trust is significant. More than 85% of farmers said they had already changed or scaled back their investment plans following Labour’s first IHT (commonly referred to as the ‘Family Farm Tax’ among farmers) announcement.
Almost half of those surveyed said they had considered quitting farming, terminating their land lease or selling their business entirely in the past 12 months.
At the same time, more than three-quarters said they continued to oppose the IHT changes due to be introduced in April, with 78% saying they remained opposed to the proposals.
One farmer surveyed warned of broader implications. “The damage to farmers’ livelihoods, safety and mental health is not considered,” they said. “The ripple effect on the local economy will be huge.”
Another said the proposal risks forcing the next generation to leave farming altogether, adding that paying the tax would force many families to sell their land and assets, making farms unviable.
Commenting on the findings, Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones said the strength of sentiment across the sector was undeniable.
“This study sends a stark message from the farming community,” she says. “Family farms feel undervalued, unheard and under threat, and the proposed inheritance tax reforms will exacerbate these concerns.”
She said Save Britain’s Family Farms campaign existed to highlight what was at stake, not just for farmers but for the wider public.
“Save Britain’s Family Farms exists to highlight not only what is at stake for farmers, but also the vital role agriculture plays in food security, rural economies and environmental stewardship,” she said.
The campaign aims to support farmers as the proposed IHT changes move closer to implementation, and to urge governments to recognize the far-reaching contribution of farming to society.
Pressure on ministers is likely to intensify in the coming months, industry leaders say, as opposition to the proposals grows across the industry and farmers seek clarity, reassurance and policy changes.
