Herefordshire and Worcestershire farmers set to take part in national day of unity over inheritance tax
The National Farmers Union (NFU) are holding events across the country.
Farmers across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are set to join a national day of unity today (25 January), calling for the government the change their stance on the farming inheritance tax.
In the autumn budget, changes for farming businesses set to come into force from April 2026 were announced, which limit the existing 100% relief for farms to the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business property.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) say they will not stop their campaign until the tax is finally subject to consultation and proper scrutiny.
NFU chair for Herefordshire Martin Williams says farmers will be out in Hereford to deliver their messages on how it will impact them.
"There's been time since the budget, but unfortunately the noise from it still rumbles on," he said.
"The inheritance tax problems that the budget has thrown up and the business property relief problems have put a real threat to the agriculture in the country, not just Herefordshire.
"It's absolutely vital that something is done."
A government spokesperson said the government's commitment to farmers remains "steadfast".
They said: “This Government will invest £5 billion into farming over the next two years, the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country’s history.
We are going further with reforms to boost profits for farmers by backing British produce and reforming planning rules on farms to support food production.
“Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will mean estates will pay a reduced effective inheritance tax rate of 20%, rather than standard 40%, and payments can be spread over 10 years, interest-free.
This is a fair and balanced approach, which fixes the public services we all rely on, affecting around 500 estates a year.”