Shropshire Farming Talk: Protecting Rural Britain - Backing the world’s best food producers
British farmers are the heart of our food system, producing high-quality food while preserving the countryside.
Yet, Inheritance Tax reforms threaten to dismantle family farms by taxing land at unsustainable levels.
With land averaging over £9,000 per acre but slim profits—many wheat farmers barely broke even this year—most farms lack the cash reserves to cover these taxes.
The likely result? Selling land or entire farms to pay the bill, leading to reduced profitability and farmland leaving food production altogether.
On November 19, thousands of farmers protested in Westminster against plans to limit agricultural property relief to £1 million and tax anything above at 20 per cent.
Farmers argue this unfairly targets them, as land values often far outstrip what the land earns. If implemented, this policy could devastate rural communities, weaken food security, and increase reliance on imported food with higher environmental costs.
Farmers are feeling undervalued despite their vital role in feeding the nation three times a day.
They maintain high standards of animal welfare and environmental stewardship, yet face increasing financial strain.
At KLF Insurance Brokers, we see the urgent need for farmers to protect their businesses through proactive financial planning and insurance.
But policies that support, not burden, farmers are essential for long-term survival.
Farmers are heroes, ensuring safe, sustainable food for the UK.
It’s time for everyone — including policymakers — to back them and safeguard the future of British farming.
by Keith Fowles is the owner of KLF Insurance Brokers.
