Farmers from the Nottinghamshire branch of the National Farming Union demonstrate in Newark Market Place for the ‘Stop the Family Farm Tax’ campaign in opposition to Labour government’s inheritance tax plans

Over the weekend, members of the National Farming Union (NFU) stopped in Newark Market Place to drum up support for the 'Stop the Family Farm Tax' campaign.

The NFU wants to see a government decision to introduce a new levy inheritance tax on agricultural land overturned.

Under the plans, farms valued at over £3m will be taxed an additional 20% on every pound over this threshold upon the death of the current owner, passing the burden on to the next generation.

The decision led to widespread protests by farm owners and workers after it was included in the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, with many fearing the added tax pressures could force the closure of many small-family farms.

In Newark, farmers took the opportunity to speak with members of the public and answer questions about the campaign.

They also handed out carrots and hay for Santa’s reindeer to show that without them, even Christmas would be affected.

Nottinghamshire NFU chairman, Colin Bower, who himself is a third generation farmer and has been involved in the practice for 54 years, explained that the pressure being places on agricultural industry were ‘too harsh’.

“We’ve been out here galvanising public support and it’s been great,” he said.

“We have been explaining where their food comes from and how we need their support if they want to continue buying British produce.

“If you look at Nottingshire NFU members, and take into account how much land they have, then add the farmhouse and all the machinery, the vast majority are well over the government’s threshold

“A million pounds sounds like an awful lot of money, and it is, but to run a business it’s nothing. You could easily be spending £100,000 on a tractor alone, and a lot of money is tied up in stock, not cash.

“It just seems that the Prime Minister and the Chancellor are driving a car, the farmers and the public are outside waving their arms, all the back benchers are shouting to stop, but they keep their foot on the throttle instead of making a change of direction.

“They need to either put this out to consultation or abolish it because the knock on effect will be devastating.

“It’s too harsh, it’s frustrating, and I hope the Prime Minister has a realisation.”

Across Nottinghamshire there are 560 NFU members, and in Newark and Sherwood alone there are roughly 180.

Nottinghamshire-based agricultural business consultant, Andy Guy, said: “This is an incredibly rural and agricultural county, especially Newark and Sherwood.

“What people don’t realise is this new tax will affect more than just the farms — there are the big dealerships, electricians, mechanics, maintenance, even the Sugar Beet Factory.

“There are all these ancillary people and businesses that rely on the farming industry who are going to be hit, and hit very quickly.

“Through my role as a consultant I’ve met so many desperate farmer that are in tears because they don’t know what to do.”

He added: “Britain is about 65% self sufficient, but we can’t make more land. If you take it away from farming, you’re losing the ability to grow food, which leaves us more and more vulnerable as a country.

“Not to mention, the carbon impact of hauling carrots from Spain as opposed to growing them in Farnsfield is huge

“So strategically it’s not a wise thing to rely on imported food, environmental and welfare standards are not as rigorous as here, and you will have a worse product as a result.”

Colin and Andy both welcomed Newark and Sherwood District Council’s recent decision to write to the government urging a reconsideration of the tax plan in a show of support for farming families.

“My message to the Prime Minister him would be to accept that this is a mistake, stand up, be straight and revisit the decision,” said Andy

“We understand that taxes have to be made, but this is unfair, the level has been set wrong, and it’s hitting the wrong target.

“All of these guys [the farmers] are running multi-generational businesses and have been farming their land for centuries. They haven’t gone into business to avoid tax, it’s a family way of life with a lot of heritage behind it.

“Ultimately, the farm shouldn’t die just because the farmer does.”

The NFU encourages residents to write to their local Member of Parliament asking for support.