In this engaging discussion, farmer and social media influencer Olly Harrison teams up with Will Humphries, a seasoned agricultural correspondent from The Times. They delve into the recent farmer protests in London against inheritance tax changes, raising questions about the future of family farms. The duo highlights the potential impact on food security if farmers strike and refuse to supply food, discussing the emotional and financial toll on farming families. Their insights reveal the complex relationship between government policies and the very sustenance that fills our fridges.
Recent inheritance tax changes threaten the viability of UK family farms, prompting widespread protests from the agricultural community.
Farmers are facing multiple challenges including rising costs and market volatility, necessitating urgent governmental support to ensure food security.
Deep dives
Impact of Inheritance Tax Changes on Farmers
Recent changes to inheritance tax are set to significantly affect farmers in the UK. The new policy will impose a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural estates exceeding £1 million, which contradicts previous assurances to the farming community that tax rules would remain unchanged. Farmers expressed shock and dismay, as this financial burden could threaten the viability of family-run farms, compelling them to sell off land to cover tax bills. Such drastic measures undermine the sustainability of their businesses, leaving many farmers questioning their future in agriculture.
Grassroots Mobilization and Protests
In response to the inheritance tax reforms, farmers mobilized rapidly, organizing a mass protest in Westminster that drew over 10,000 participants. Farmers utilized social media to coordinate and express their outrage, reflecting a strong sense of community and urgency within the agricultural sector. The National Farmers Union played a crucial role in rallying support, but the response was overwhelmingly grassroots, highlighting the desperation felt by those in the farming industry. This unification showcased their ability to impact government attention and potentially influence policy through collective action.
Challenges Facing the Farming Industry
Farmers are grappling with multiple challenges that threaten their livelihood, including rising operational costs and a volatile market. The industry has been under pressure from supermarket pricing policies, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to maintain profitability. Additionally, external factors such as Brexit and rising energy prices have heightened their financial struggles, complicating their ability to plan for the future. As farming becomes less tenable, the necessity for governmental support and understanding of agricultural issues becomes increasingly critical to secure the nation's food supply.
Over ten thousand farmers marched on Westminster this week, protesting changes to inheritance tax. But does the government’s new policy mean the end of family farms or is it a sensible move that only targets the richest landowners? And as nearly 60% of the food we eat in the UK is home grown, if the farmers escalate their protest, and refuse to let food off their farms, what could it mean for your fridge and the nation’s food security?
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Host: Manveen Rana.
Guests:
Olly Harrison, Farmer and co-owner of T&O Harrison farm.
Will Humphries, Southwest and Countryside Correspondent for The Times.
Clips: Parliamentlive.tv, BBC, Olly Harrison / YouTube, Reuters.