The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has declared its campaign against the Labour government’s controversial farm inheritance tax a “fight we will not abandon” as it ramps up efforts to protect family-run farms across the UK.
This week marked the launch of the NFU’s eye-catching ‘Big Banner’ initiative, part of its nationwide push to stop what critics have dubbed the ‘family farm tax.’
Banners were unveiled in key political constituencies on Thursday, 19 December, with the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, and the Ulster Farmers’ Union showing solidarity by displaying them across the country.
The campaign aims to focus public attention and build political pressure on the tax changes, which were announced in the government’s autumn budget. From April 2026, a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets over £1 million will be introduced—sparking uproar among farming communities and their supporters.
Protests have erupted nationwide in response to the policy, with tens of thousands of farmers descending on London in recent weeks. To amplify the campaign’s reach, the NFU is introducing car stickers to raise awareness, ensuring the message is seen on motorways and in towns across the UK.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw described the banners as a “powerful visual reminder to government that our fight to protect family farms is far from over.”
He added: “Only a combination of public support and political pressure will lead to a change in this damaging policy. The NFU is uniquely positioned to coordinate efforts across the home nations, bringing stakeholders together to highlight the importance of protecting British family farms.
“We owe it to farming families and future generations to ensure these damaging proposals don’t undermine the future of food production. This is a fight we will not abandon, and we need everyone to stand with us.”
The NFU is encouraging farmers to meet with their MPs, armed with data from their accountants and advisers, to challenge what it calls misleading Treasury claims that “few farms will be affected” by the changes.
The campaign has gained traction beyond the farming community, with 32 trade associations—representing 160,000 family-run businesses—warning that the tax could trigger significant job losses and discourage investment.
Meanwhile, a ‘town hall rebellion’ has seen councils across England pass motions in support of farmers. Suffolk, North Northamptonshire, Devon, Cambridgeshire, and Harborough councils are among those urging the government to scrap the proposals.
With more campaign materials set to roll out in January, the NFU’s message is clear: British farmers won’t back down in their fight to protect the future of family farming.
Find out more at the NFU and add your name to their petition to stop the family farm tax here.
