The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has published the routes of its upcoming mass tractor rallies, due to take place across Northern Ireland on Saturday (January 25) as part of the UK-wide ‘Stop The Family Farm Tax’ campaign.
The UFU will host seven tractor rallies located in Armagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry, Antrim, and Down, as a means of protest against the inheritance tax changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief.
The protests will form part of a national day of action in the UK, occurring alongside similar events held by the UFU’s counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales.
According to the UFU, these events aim to generate public awareness of the “detrimental” damage the tax will have on British agriculture, should it come into effect, in the lead up to the government’s spring statement in March 2025.
“These changes would place an unbearable burden on family farms, jeopardising their future for generations to come,” the UFU said in a statement.
On Saturday, Northern Irish farmers will converge in their tractors to proceed along the seven established routes configured by their respective regional UFU offices, in what the UFU intends to be a powerful show of solidarity across the sector.
The organisation is also encouraging supporters outside of the industry to show up on the day, to lend their support for their local farming communities.
UFU rally routes
The rallies will begin at 2:00p.m on January 25, with registration open from 12:30p.m earlier that afternoon. The full routes are available through the UFU website.
UFU president William Irvine said: “This is more than just a protest – it’s an opportunity for people to come together, show their support, and contribute to this challenge.
“It is also an opportunity to raise money for charities and we encourage everyone attending to bring cash for charity donations on the day. Let’s make this a day of action, solidarity, and generosity.
“The UFU is proud to stand alongside our colleagues in the NFU, NFU Scotland, and NFU Cymru as we demand immediate changes to the government’s proposed tax plans.
“Together, we will make sure this issue is front and centre in the lead-up to the UK government’s spring statement in March 2025. Farmers are the backbone of this nation and we will not be silenced,” Irvine said.
