Louth MP warns of 'tough times' for farming
Victoria Atkins has been raising awareness of the issue at the Lincolnshire Farming Conference
Louth MP Victoria Atkins has painted a bleak picture of the farming community’s mood during what she describes as “very tough times”.
Hundreds have attended the Lincolnshire Farming Conference this week, months before the government’s controversial inheritance tax plan will come into force.
The Conservative MP, who is the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, said families were facing financial turmoil and mental health struggles as a result.
However, the government says it is prioritising food security and protecting farmers.
Ms Atkins told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “The mood for the last 18 months since the General Election has been despondency and anger.
“There were record farm closures last year – these are really tough times.
“But the farmers I spoke to at the conference are still hopeful for a bright future for British farming with the right plans.”
Inherited farms being passed down to the next generation will face a 20 per cent tax after the first £2.5million.
This has been watered down from £1million after months of protests, but she said it will still harm farming families.
“I spoke to a woman whose family has farmed the same land for three generations. It wasn’t worth much when her granddad bought it, but now it will leave them with an eye-watering tax bill,” she said.
“Farms are often mortgaged to the hilt and have to take out a loan for the kit they need, meaning the next generation ends up paying for it.
“It’s taken an emotional toll. Last year, there was sadly a very high suicide rate amongst farmers.
“People tell me they’ve been having heartbreaking conversations.”
The charity Yellow Wellies has launched the Mind Your Head campaign to encourage farmers to look after their mental health and check in on their friends and neighbours. More details can be found on their website.
Lincolnshire farmers have complained recently that it’s harder than ever to turn a profit.
Mrs Atkins has promised Conservatives will review all public bodies to see if they’re “holding farmers back”, and prioritise the growing of food on agricultural land.
A government spokesperson responded: “For this government, food security is national security and protecting farmers is at the heart of that.
“That is why we have launched the biggest sustainable farming budget ever which many of Victoria Atkins’ constituents will be able to access.”
The National Farmers’ Union has now ended its campaign against the inheritance tax changes.