Kent farmers fear Government ‘does not value’ agriculture, new survey reveals
Farmers across Kent are among those expressing deep concern that the Government does not recognise the value of farming to society, according to a new nationwide survey by Farmers Guardian.
Last updated 21st Jan 2026
The post-Budget survey of nearly 500 farmers found that almost 100% believe the current Government fails to understand or appreciate agriculture’s contribution to food security, the rural economy and environmental stewardship.
The research was carried out as part of Farmers Guardian’s Save Britain’s Family Farms campaign, following what many in the industry have described as one of the most turbulent years in recent memory.
Confidence remains extremely low despite a late amendment to proposed Inheritance Tax (IHT) reforms, announced just before Christmas, which raised the tax-free threshold from £1 million to £2.5 million per spouse.
We spoke to Matthew Cullen, a local farmer and chair of the Kent Agricultural Society, they are hosing a conference today (Wednesday 21st) to disscuss these issues.
He told us this:
"Oh, I mean, it is a serious issue and I and I'm known about 8 farmers in the county of Kent that are pack packing up last year and going into this year because of various things, like the cost of wheat and grain at the moment."
Only 11% of respondents said they would consider voting Labour at the next General Election even if the party were to completely reverse the proposed IHT changes.
The survey also highlights serious economic consequences for farming businesses, including those in Kent. More than 85% of farmers said they had changed or scaled back investment plans following Labour’s initial announcement of the measures, which have been widely labelled by the sector as a “family farm tax”. Over three-quarters said they intend to continue opposing the changes, which are due to come into force in April.
Perhaps most concerning is the impact on morale and mental wellbeing.
Almost half of respondents said they had considered giving up farming, ending a tenancy or selling their business entirely within the past 12 months. Meanwhile, 78% said they remain committed to fighting the proposed IHT rules.
One farmer responding to the survey said the wider consequences had not been fully considered.
“The damage to farming families’ livelihoods, security and mental health has not been considered. The knock-on effect to the rural economy will be huge,” they said.
Another warned that younger farmers simply cannot afford the tax burden, suggesting many would be forced to sell parts of their farms to pay the bill, potentially rendering thousands of businesses unviable.
Commenting on the findings, Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones said the results sent a clear warning from the farming community.
“Family farms feel undervalued, unheard and under threat, and the proposed Inheritance Tax changes have intensified those concerns,” she said.
“Save Britain’s Family Farms exists to highlight not just what is at stake for farming families, but the vital role farming plays in food security, the rural economy and environmental stewardship.”
The Save Britain’s Family Farms campaign aims to support farmers through the proposed changes while demonstrating agriculture’s wider value to society, highlighting how the sector can help address national challenges including environmental management, economic resilience and food production.
For Kent’s farming community, the message from the survey is clear: without meaningful engagement and policy change, the future of family farming remains uncertain.