Farmers across the West Country are voicing fierce opposition to new government proposals imposing a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural estates valued over £1 million. They warn the tax could destroy family-run farms and jeopardize the nation’s food security.
At Sedgemoor Market on September 6, campaigners from Farmers to Action launched the “Trailer of Truth” campaign—a travelling protest trailer filled with messages destined for the upcoming Labour Party conference in Liverpool. Their goal: to pressure politicians to reconsider reforms that farmers say threaten their livelihoods.
Beginning next April, farms exceeding the £1 million threshold will face a hefty inheritance tax under revised agricultural property relief rules. The government claims only a limited number of estates will be impacted, and that proceeds will help fund essential public services.
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However, farmers argue the policy is deeply unfair and shortsighted. Charlie Walford, a third-generation farmer near Somerton, Somerset, expressed his frustration: “You cannot tax a population into prosperity. We pay tax on everything—being taxed to death is ludicrous.” With 500 cattle and arable land, Walford explains he barely made £12,000 profit last year and would be forced to sell part of his farm just to cover the tax bill. “Who’s going to buy the land? Developers or solar panel companies,” he fears.
Farmers warn the tax changes risk pushing out older generations who want to pass farms to their families, while failing to support new entrants into farming. “They’re taxing the old boys out, and not funding young farmers anymore. Where does that leave the future of farming?” Walford asks.
Duncan Palmer of Martock, a fourth-generation farmer, added that many smaller farms—already operating on tight margins—would struggle to survive the new levy. “We don’t have enough income to pay a tax like this. It’s a poorly thought-out policy.”
Joe and Victoria Broughton, who manage a mixed farm in South Petherton, described feeling besieged on all sides. Victoria said, “Whether handing down a farm or running one, this government seems to have struck us hard. Young farmers have lost funding, and hardworking families have lost incentives. Enough is enough.”
Neil Parish, former MP for Tiverton and Honiton, joined the protest, criticizing the Labour government’s approach: “They just don’t understand farming. We need increased food production, not policies that reduce it. This inheritance tax will only add pressure on farming families.”
The “Trailer of Truth” continues its tour across the South West, gathering messages of resistance that will be delivered directly to Labour’s leadership in Liverpool. Campaigners hope this visible protest will spark a rethink of the inheritance tax reforms before they come into effect.
In response, a government spokesperson emphasized their commitment to sustainable farming and food security, citing an £11.8 billion investment and reforms guided by former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters. They noted that most estates claiming Agricultural and Business Property Relief would remain unaffected, pointing out that 40% of relief – valued at £219 million – benefits just 117 estates. The spokesperson added, “The funds raised will support vital public services we all depend on.”