The nation’s farmers are on red alert as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president, Tom Bradshaw, has written an urgent letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of next week’s budget.
The farming community is reeling from reports that the government is considering scrapping Agriculture Property Relief (APR), a vital lifeline for Britain’s farmers, which allows family farms to be passed down through generations without crippling tax bills.
Bradshaw did not mince his words, warning that any review of the tax relief would be “incredibly concerning” for the entire agricultural sector. He reminded Starmer of his previous commitments, made during the 2023 NFU conference, to stand by British farmers and ensure a partnership based on “respect” and “genuine support.” At that time, Starmer acknowledged the struggles facing farmers and promised a new relationship with the countryside—one that would cut down on bureaucracy and end uncertainty over key farming policies.
But with whispers of a £358 million underspend under the previous government and Labour reportedly considering cuts to the agricultural budget, the future looks far from rosy. Bradshaw’s letter calls for the Prime Minister to stay true to his word, emphasising that farmer confidence is at rock bottom due to soaring production costs, extreme weather, and fears over the agricultural transition.
Farmers at Breaking Point
Bradshaw did not hold back when discussing the potential loss of APR. He warned that without it, family farms—essential to producing food, providing rural jobs, and maintaining Britain’s countryside—could be forced to sell up just to pay the bills. “It would be a family farm tax,” he said grimly, adding that tenant farmers and new entrants to the industry would be particularly hard hit.
APR, along with Business Property Relief (BPR), has long been a pillar of support for family farms and rural businesses, allowing them to continue their vital work after the death of a family member without being saddled with massive inheritance tax bills. If Labour does go ahead with plans to cap or scrap APR, farming bodies warn that the entire industry could be facing a heavy tax burden at a time when they can least afford it.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), representing thousands of landowners, has also raised the alarm. The CLA urged farmers to write to their MPs, stressing that abolishing APR would be a “catastrophic betrayal” of Britain’s food producers and rural communities.
What the NFU Wants
In his letter, Bradshaw also made a strong case for a multi-year agriculture budget of £5.6 billion, which he argues is necessary to support farmers and meet the government’s environmental goals. Without certainty and stability, he warns, the future of British farming hangs in the balance.
The NFU’s demands ahead of the budget include:
- Ensuring proper resources for the Farming and Countryside Programme, flood defences, and the government’s new bTB strategy.
- Introducing enhanced capital allowances to encourage investment in climate-smart farming.
- Limiting Capital Gains Tax hikes to non-business or short-term gains.
- Committing to full consultation before scrapping the Furnished Holiday Lettings regime.
- Confirming another round of funding for the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Bradshaw is clear: the clock is ticking, and British farmers need clarity and support before it’s too late. “We need stability and that genuine partnership with government which the Prime Minister spoke of,” he said, as the farming community braces itself for the autumn statement on October 30th.
Labour’s Potential Gamble
As the nation waits to see what Labour’s budget holds, many are wondering why the government would risk alienating such a vital sector of the economy. Farming not only puts food on British tables, but also maintains rural jobs and supports environmental goals. With Labour’s budget day looming, the stakes for farmers—and for the British countryside—couldn’t be higher.
It’s clear that the farming industry feels betrayed, and without action from Labour, the future of family farms, new entrants, and tenant farmers alike could be under threat. Will Keir Starmer keep his promises to the British countryside? Or will Labour’s budget leave farmers in the cold? The answer could shape the future of the nation’s food production for generations to come.
