Protecting Britsh Farms
Understanding Inheritance Tax Changes and Their Impact on British Farming
At S Thorogood and Sons we have been part of the British farming landscape for generations. Family farms are at the heart of our business, and we also work closely with growers operating tenanted farms. This is why the discussions around proposed changes to inheritance tax reliefs for agriculture are so important to us, our growers and the customers who rely on seasonal British produce.
Yesterday, 16th December, the Finance Bill No 2 returned to Parliament. Farmers gathered in Westminster to raise their concerns and to highlight the potential consequences for both family and tenanted farms. The National Farmers Union and the Tenant Farmers Association are actively briefing MPs to ensure lawmakers understand the real world impact of these proposals.
Why Inheritance Tax Matters for Farmers
Inheritance tax in agriculture is not just a financial matter. It determines whether family farms can be passed down to the next generation intact, allowing them to continue producing food, employing local staff, and sustaining rural communities. Changes to reliefs can affect:
Family Farms: Farms handed down over generations may face unexpected tax burdens, making it difficult to maintain operations or invest in the land.
Tenanted Farms: Tenants rely on security of tenure and long term agreements to justify investment in soil health, crops and equipment. Changes to inheritance tax can indirectly impact confidence in the tenancy system.
When farms are under financial pressure, the effects ripple along the supply chain. This can affect crop availability, seasonal consistency and ultimately the quality of produce delivered to greengrocers, retailers and chefs.
What This Means for Customers
For our customers — small retailers, market stalls and independent shops — these changes could have indirect effects. If farms struggle to remain viable, the seasonal variety, quality and reliability of British produce can be affected. By understanding these issues, customers can better appreciate the work and expertise that goes into growing and supplying their food.
At S Thorogood and Sons, we remain committed to:
Working closely with growers to maintain supply and quality
Supporting farmers by highlighting these issues and advocating for fair policies
Ensuring our customers have access to the best seasonal British produce throughout the year
Why Farming Voices Matter
The Westminster gathering is a reminder that farmers’ voices are vital. They have decades of experience managing land, crops and livestock sustainably. Policymakers rely on this expertise to design frameworks that support long term productivity and the survival of family farms.
By keeping our customers informed and supporting our growers, we help to protect British farming traditions and ensure that seasonal, high quality produce continues to reach markets and kitchens across the country.
In an era of constant change, understanding the challenges our growers face is part of maintaining trust, protecting heritage crops and supporting resilient local supply chains.