connecting every sector of the UK Food Industry
A growing concern for the food industry and the UK
Whilst uncertainty lingers, farmers and their families need UK Gov to act
UK Farmers and the Inheritance Tax Dilemma:
A Growing Concern for Farmers, UKGov and the UK
The UK’s farming community is facing mounting challenges as concerns grow over the implications of inheritance tax (IHT) on agricultural estates. Many family-run farms, which have been passed down through generations, are now at risk of financial instability due to tax burdens that threaten their viability.
The Issue at Hand
Inheritance tax is levied at 40% on estates valued above the £325,000 threshold, though Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) have traditionally allowed farmers to mitigate these costs. However, growing concerns among farming organisations suggest that the UK Government is considering revisions to these reliefs, potentially restricting eligibility and increasing financial pressures on farmers inheriting land.
Many farm owners fear that, without these reliefs, their successors will be forced to sell off land or take on significant debt to cover tax liabilities.
Given the capital-intensive nature of farming, these tax burdens could severely disrupt food production, rural economies, and the sustainability of UK agriculture.
Farmers' Intentions and Calls for Action
Farmers and agricultural lobby groups are urging the government to provide clarity on the future of inheritance tax reliefs. Their key demands include:
Retention and Expansion of APR and BPR– Ensuring that tax reliefs remain available to allow for the smooth transition of farms across generations.
Increased IHT Thresholds for Agricultural Estates – Recognising the high value of farmland and infrastructure without penalising families who wish to continue farming.
Policy Certainty to Prevent Uncertainty and Forced Land Sales – Farmers require long-term stability to plan for the future without fear of sudden tax hikes.
There is growing concern that failure to address these issues could lead to farm consolidations, loss of family-run agricultural businesses, and greater dependence on imported food supplies.
Looking Ahead
The UK Government has yet to confirm any changes to inheritance tax reliefs for farmers, but industry groups are ramping up lobbying efforts to ensure rural communities are not disproportionately affected. As discussions unfold, the farming sector remains steadfast in its push for policies that support generational continuity and food security.
With uncertainty lingering, farmers, their families, and industry representatives are keenly watching for government decisions that will shape the future of British agriculture for generations to come.
.png?etag=%22956c-66080d54%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fpng&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=210%2B120)
Driving Change: A UK Food Council Initiative to eradicate food poverty, supported by:
The UK Food Council holds Approved Partner Status with the UN Food & Agricultural Organisation
UK Food Council
Albert House
Old Street
London
EC1V 9DD
w: foodcouncil.org.uk
e: hello@foodcouncil.uk
t: 020 3051 3747
This content of this website highlights the UK Food Council’s role and its collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, reflecting the council’s dedication to improving food systems and security. As we continue to build on our successes, we invite individuals, businesses, and organizations to join us in our journey towards a sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions and ensure food security for generations to come.
Privacy Policy I Terms and Conditions I Contact Us
The following photographers, creatives and production team helped in the making of this website: Tima Miroshnichenko Cottonbro I Michael Gaida I Peter H I Ralf Siebeck I Wilfried Pohnke I Achim Scholty I Miguel Á. Padriñán I Patrick Robert Doyle I Milan Csizmadia I Raphaël Tomi-Tricot I Bianca Lucas I Dmitry Vechorko I Egor Vikhrev I Jonathan Farber I Craig Whitehead I Ruslan Gamzaliev I Ryoji Iwata I Constantin Lordache I Ben White I NASA I Matt Moloney I Kaboompics I S Migaj I Fauxels I Tranmautritam I Brian McGowan I Richard Gatley I Ron Lach I Andrea Piacquadio IAlexander Shatov I Amy Hirschi Kaleidico I Tranmautritam I Helena I Alex GorbiIAlexander Andrews I Deksha Pahariya I Jack Niles I Mitchell Luo I Edmond Dantès Jakob Owens I Monstera I Bulkan Evciman I Ruvim Miksanskiy I KoolShooters I Kévin et Laurianne Langlais I Ketut Subiyanto I Hulki Okan Tabak I Huy Phan I Matheus I Cenali Egor Kamelev I Christian Heitz I Singkham I Shvets Production I
Bruno Martins I Dani Hart I Matheus Bertelli I James Watt I Mali Maeder I Christina & Peter I Anthony I
Anna Tarazevich I
© 2025 UK Food Council All rights reserved registered in England and Wales. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Partners: Amadeus IT Group I Cognito I Ingenious I Smithfields AIT I SoftBank
Marketing innovation, social media, photography and film production are at the heart of what the team engage in every day of the week.
#farming #food #foodproduction #foodservice #grocery #restaurant #technology #logistics #sustainability #foodsupply #foodmanufacturing
Copyright © 2002 -2025 UK Food Council. All rights reserved
