Farmers across the country descended on supermarket doors with their tractors today (Friday), staging a day of action to highlight the devastating impact of the Labour government’s proposed inheritance tax changes, dubbed the ‘family farm tax.’
The campaign, spearheaded by farmers frustrated by rising costs and squeezed margins, aimed to raise awareness among the public and call on supermarkets to show greater support for British agriculture.
As part of the action, farmers delivered heartfelt letters to store managers, urging retailers to back their fight against the tax changes. One letter, sent to an Asda manager, read:
“As local farmers, we are writing to express our gratitude for the support the public has shown us during these challenging times.
We will be visiting your supermarket with our tractors to engage with the community and highlight the importance of supporting British farming.
We are particularly encouraged by Morrison’s recent declaration of support for British agriculture; we believe it sets a positive example for the industry. We kindly ask if your supermarket would consider backing this initiative as well.”
According to the FarmingUK website, Farmers intentionally avoided Morrisons, which recently released a viral ‘we’re with you’ video message showing solidarity with the farming community.
The protest was organised by the same group of farmers behind the successful November rally in London. Under the government’s proposed changes, outlined in the autumn budget, farmers would face a 20% inheritance tax on assets worth over £1 million. Industry leaders have warned that this policy could spell disaster for family farms, many of which are already struggling to stay afloat.
Mounting Pressure on Labour
The move has triggered backlash, with thirty local councils openly rebelling against the policy and passing motions urging the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to scrap the tax. Critics have labelled the measure an “attack on the countryside” and a threat to Britain’s agricultural heritage.
Labour MPs are now under growing pressure to distance themselves from the controversial policy, as opposition to the changes continues to build.
Next Steps for the Protests
The farmers’ campaign shows no signs of slowing down. On Saturday, 25 January, protests are set to take place in towns across the UK as part of a coordinated effort to keep the spotlight on the issue.
All four major farming unions—NFU Scotland, NFU, NFU Cymru, and the Ulster Farmers’ Union—are joining forces for the next wave of action, ensuring the message is impossible to ignore.
A Cry for Fairness
Farmers argue that the proposed inheritance tax changes could decimate family-run farms, wiping out generations of tradition and hard work. Friday’s protest is a clear message to the government: Britain’s farmers will not go quietly.
With tractors parked outside supermarkets and the public rallying behind their cause, the farming community has made one thing clear—this is a fight for the future of British agriculture.
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