The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), National Farmers’ Union (NFU), NFU Scotland and NFU Cymru are stepping up their #StopTheFamilyFarmTax campaign against changes to inheritance tax, with a national display of solidarity today, Thursday, December 19 , labelled ‘Big Banner Day’.
As part of the UK budget on October 30, 2024, it was announced that Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) combined at 100% would be restricted to £1 million from April 6, 2026.
Roadside and gate banners will be displayed across the UK to amplify the message that the proposed changes by the UK Government to inheritance tax threaten the future of family farms.
The banners, designed to be highly visible in key political constituencies, aim to keep public attention and build political pressure on the impact these changes would have on farming families and rural communities.
To support the campaign, car stickers are being distributed from UFU offices to boost visibility even further, allowing supporters to spread awareness wherever they travel and reinforce the call for action among the wider public.
Campaign against inheritance tax
UFU president William Irvine said: “With the Christmas holidays approaching and meetings winding down, the UK farming unions have launched Big Banner Day to send a clear message to Labour Government; our commitment to overturning the family farm tax remains as strong as ever and the fight to protect our family farms is far from over.
“The changes to Agricultural Property Relief is based on flawed data and DAERA’s [Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs] in-depth analysis shows that approximately half of NI family farms, accounting for 80% of farmed land, could be impacted.
“Government need to sit up and realise what they are on the brink of. NI produces enough food to feed over 10 million people, six million of whom are in Britain and we export local produce to the Republic of Ireland and beyond.
“The family farm tax threatens to destroy our agri-food industry and food security,” he added.
Irvine said that for farmers, farming is much more than a profession but is the “heartbeat” of rural life and the backbone of rural communities.
“It’s a way of life that connects generations, feeding the nation while protecting our countryside. As it stands, the proposed family farm tax will tear apart this proud legacy, dismantling the family farm structure that defines us,” he continued.
“We call on everyone who values the importance of family farming to join us in this fight, get involved in the campaign and stand alongside us. We need your help to save our family farms, and together, we can make it happen.
“Banners have been placed across NI including at the Newry Road roundabout, Banbridge and Greystone Lodge, on the M1, A1, Belfast Road Fermanagh, Enniskillen Mart, Poyntzpass Road and Nutt’s Corner.”
The UFU is urging, where and when it is safe to do so, to show support for NI’s farm families by taking a picture of the banner and sharing on social media using the hashtag #StopTheFamilyFarmTax.
