In a show of unity and strength, all four UK farming Unions – NFU Scotland, NFU, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers’ Union - will participate in a nationwide day of action on Saturday 25 January.
The day’s events will continue to highlight the damage that the UK Government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax will do and the threat to the viability of family farms across the UK. It will also thank the public for its growing support in this matter.
In Scotland, NFU Scotland will be holding coordinated, authorised tractor rallies in every region on the morning of Saturday 25 January, with the region’s local politicians invited to attend, allowing them to hear at first hand the devastating impact these proposed taxation burdens will have.
While the activity taking place across all parts of the UK is likely to differ, the key unified message is the same: Unless the UK Government halts its deeply flawed family farm tax proposals, they will damage and threaten family farms and, in turn, undermine UK food production.
NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy said: “This is a call to action for every member of NFU Scotland and we will be urging them, where possible, to participate in these organised rallies and show the continued strength of feeling against UK Government proposals. Using approved routes, these rallies will also present an opportunity to thank the public for their ongoing support on this issue.
“This activity is part of our wider plan to highlight the damage these tax plans will have in the lead-up to the UK Government’s Spring Statement in March 2025, where we will be demanding formal changes to its plans.
“We need the UK Government to stop; reset; reflect; and properly engage and consult on an alternative approach – one that does not have deep, unintended consequences for the future of farming.
“The planned changes to taxation are wide of the UK Government’s stated target but will, instead, hammer family farms. These plans for 25 January show that all UK farming Unions are totally committed to having this reversed and we will be relentless in our efforts to do so.
“Farmers and crofters are already facing unprecedented challenges in their efforts to produce food, and this ill-conceived measure is the straw that has broken the camel’s back. Enough is enough.
“We will announce more details in the New Year on the specific details for Scotland on 25 January and how our members can get involved, and this will be part of a unified show of strength across the UK.” Ends