Farmers gathered outside the Oxford Farming Conference to protest against new government plans designed to help farmers make more money. They were unhappy with Environment Secretary Steve Reed’s speech about a “new deal for farmers.” The government wants to support British farming, but many farmers say the new ideas won’t help them.
One reason for the protests is the new inheritance tax for farms worth over £1 million introduced in the last budget. Farmers held up signs saying, “Fight the tax, save our farms!” while tractors rolled by honking their horns and playing “The Final Countdown.”
Julie Adams, a farmer from near Bicester, said the government’s new plan does not address their issues. “We’ve already tried diversifying our farms, and we’re still having a tough time,” she explained. She wants the inheritance tax limit raised to £10 million to help farmers keep their land.
Olli Fletcher, a young farmer, expressed doubt about the new proposals, saying they don’t seem helpful. He feels that the anger towards the government is too strong to fix quickly, and the inheritance tax is a big part of the problem.
Heidi and Jonathan Smith, farmers who want to pass down their farm to their kids, also criticized the government’s plans. They said their children wouldn’t be able to pay the inheritance tax without selling part of the farm, which would hurt their ability to earn a living.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher from the Countryside Alliance, which helped organize the protest, mentioned that the inheritance tax is a major block to any discussions about improving farming policies.
Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers Union, warned that more protests would happen unless the Prime Minister and Chancellor take a serious look at changing the inheritance tax rules.
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