On Monday, November 24, farmers across Gloucestershire took to the streets with their tractors in a powerful protest against Government policies affecting the agricultural sector. The demonstrations highlight mounting concerns over recent changes to farm subsidies and inheritance tax rules that many believe threaten the future of farming.
Nigel Jones, a farmer near Cheltenham, voiced his dismay as he parked his tractor outside Shire Hall in Gloucester. He criticized the current national farming policies, emphasizing how these decisions harm farmers and the broader countryside.
“There’s a whole raft of things, but they’re not listening,” said Mr. Jones. “At the end of the day, it’s the farmers who sustain the countryside, continuing the legacy passed down by our forefathers. Yet, the support that kept food prices affordable has been withdrawn. That’s fueling food inflation, not all of which benefits the farm. A significant portion is lost along the supply chain, including at supermarkets.”
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Mr. Jones also expressed grave concerns about the changes to inheritance tax, which he believes will force many farms to be sold to pay the tax, undermining long-term farm ownership and investment. “When there’s a death in the family, many simply won’t have the funds to pay the inheritance tax,” he explained.
The repercussions of these policies extend beyond the farms themselves. Reduced investment has caused ripples throughout related industries. “There are nine other businesses struggling because farmers are not spending money. Some agricultural machinery suppliers have already gone out of business,” Mr. Jones added.
The tractor protest spread throughout major Gloucestershire roads including the A40, A417, A419, A48, and the A39. Support from the public was evident, with motorists honking horns and cheering on the farmers. “While we’re protesting, we don’t want to inconvenience the public—we want them to stand with us. This issue affects every working person in the country,” said Mr. Jones.
Local government officials have also weighed in. Cotswold farmer and County Councillor Dom Morris tabled a motion on November 12 urging Shire Hall to oppose the tax changes and lobby for their reversal. However, the council deferred action pending committee review, potentially delaying decisions by several months.
The Government maintains that it is phasing out land ownership subsidies to provide better, more targeted financial support, committing £5 billion over two years towards sustainable farming and nature recovery initiatives. Regarding inheritance tax, new rules effective April 2026 will cap 100% relief on agricultural property to the first £1 million in combined agricultural and business assets, with a reduced 50% relief applied beyond that, effectively lowering the tax rate up to 20%—still significantly less than the usual 40%. Tax payments can also be spread interest-free over ten years.
The Government argues these reforms aim to ensure fairness, pointing out that the top 7% of claims currently account for 40% of agricultural property relief, costing taxpayers £219 million annually. They contend that reducing relief for large claimants will free funds for public services.
Despite this, Gloucestershire County Council leader Lisa Spivey affirmed ongoing local concern: “We had cross-council support opposing the Family Farm Tax, and while the motion is under further scrutiny, the council will continue to express its opposition. I will be writing to the Government to convey our views.”
As Gloucestershire’s farming community rallies together, the message is clear: farmers seek meaningful dialogue and policies that safeguard their livelihoods, rural heritage, and the future of food production.