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This article outlines the key policy changes farmers are calling for, from inheritance tax reform to sustainable farming investments, providing a forward-looking roadmap to support British agriculture and rural communities.
As farmers marched through London in November 2024, their banners, chants, and conversations carried a unified call to action: for policymakers to recognize the realities of farming and enact policies that support, not hinder, their livelihoods. Beyond their frustrations, there was hope—hope that meaningful change is possible if the government listens and acts.
At AskGrant, we spoke with farmers throughout the protest, gathering their ideas, demands, and aspirations for the future of British agriculture. These conversations reveal not just what farmers oppose, but the constructive solutions they’re proposing to secure a sustainable future for farming and the nation.
At the center of the protest was the proposed 20% inheritance tax, which farmers argue disproportionately impacts family-run farms. Farmers emphasized the need for policies that recognize the unique structure of agricultural businesses, where wealth is tied up in land and equipment rather than liquid assets.
“We’re not asking to avoid taxes,” said one farmer. “We just need a system that doesn’t force us to sell our land to pay the bill.”
Farmers suggested exemptions or capped rates for agricultural land to ensure farms can stay within families without breaking their operational viability.
Farmers called for a more robust and accessible system of subsidies and grants, tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized farms. Many expressed frustration with the complexity of current funding processes and the decline in financial support.
“Small farms like mine are being left behind,” explained a dairy farmer from Devon. “We need subsidies that help us adapt to modern challenges—whether it’s rising costs or transitioning to greener practices.”
Simplifying grant applications and increasing transparency in funding allocation were common recommendations, along with ensuring that support prioritizes sustainable and local food production.
The issue of corporate land acquisitions for carbon offsetting emerged as a pressing concern. Farmers described how corporations are buying vast tracts of farmland, often pricing out local farmers and shifting the land’s use away from food production.
“We’re all for planting trees,” said a vegetable farmer from Kent. “But the way it’s being done now, it’s pushing us off the land we’ve farmed for generations.”
Farmers urged the government to regulate these purchases, requiring corporations to work collaboratively with local farming communities to balance environmental goals with agricultural needs.
With market volatility and increased competition from imported goods, farmers called for policies that protect British food producers. Many highlighted the importance of fair trade agreements that don’t undercut domestic farming and incentives to strengthen local food supply chains.
“We can’t compete with countries that don’t have the same standards we do,” said a sheep farmer from Wales. “We need trade deals that protect British farmers and encourage people to buy local.”
Farmers also advocated for public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits of choosing British-grown food, emphasizing its quality, sustainability, and contribution to local economies.
The farmers at the protest expressed a strong willingness to adopt more sustainable practices but stressed that these transitions require financial and technical support.
“We’re ready to do our part for the environment,” said one farmer. “But it’s hard to make changes when we’re already struggling to make ends meet.”
Farmers recommended targeted grants for regenerative agriculture, renewable energy projects, and other green initiatives. They also called for government-backed research into innovative farming technologies that could boost productivity while reducing environmental impact.
Perhaps the most consistent message was the need for greater farmer representation in policymaking. Farmers spoke of a growing disconnect between government decisions and the realities of farming life.
“Too often, policies are made by people who’ve never set foot on a farm,” said one protester. “We need a seat at the table to make sure our voices are heard.”
Farmers proposed creating advisory councils or regional committees where farmers could collaborate directly with policymakers to ensure that decisions reflect practical, on-the-ground insights.
Farmers stressed the importance of preserving rural infrastructure, from roads to broadband, to keep farming communities viable. They argued that investing in rural areas supports not only agriculture but also broader economic and social development.
“You can’t run a farm without proper infrastructure,” said a farmer from Yorkshire. “We need the same level of investment and attention that cities get.”
The farmers who marched in London were clear: they are not against reform, but they need policies that empower them to thrive rather than force them to fight for survival. Their messages to policymakers reflect a practical and forward-thinking approach, rooted in the realities of farming life.
For farmers, their message is simple: listen to us, work with us, and let’s build a future where British agriculture continues to flourish.
This article outlines the key policy changes farmers are calling for, from inheritance tax reform to sustainable farming investments, providing a forward-looking roadmap to support British agriculture and rural communities.
As farmers marched through London in November 2024, their banners, chants, and conversations carried a unified call to action: for policymakers to recognize the realities of farming and enact policies that support, not hinder, their livelihoods. Beyond their frustrations, there was hope—hope that meaningful change is possible if the government listens and acts.
At AskGrant, we spoke with farmers throughout the protest, gathering their ideas, demands, and aspirations for the future of British agriculture. These conversations reveal not just what farmers oppose, but the constructive solutions they’re proposing to secure a sustainable future for farming and the nation.
At the center of the protest was the proposed 20% inheritance tax, which farmers argue disproportionately impacts family-run farms. Farmers emphasized the need for policies that recognize the unique structure of agricultural businesses, where wealth is tied up in land and equipment rather than liquid assets.
“We’re not asking to avoid taxes,” said one farmer. “We just need a system that doesn’t force us to sell our land to pay the bill.”
Farmers suggested exemptions or capped rates for agricultural land to ensure farms can stay within families without breaking their operational viability.
Farmers called for a more robust and accessible system of subsidies and grants, tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized farms. Many expressed frustration with the complexity of current funding processes and the decline in financial support.
“Small farms like mine are being left behind,” explained a dairy farmer from Devon. “We need subsidies that help us adapt to modern challenges—whether it’s rising costs or transitioning to greener practices.”
Simplifying grant applications and increasing transparency in funding allocation were common recommendations, along with ensuring that support prioritizes sustainable and local food production.
The issue of corporate land acquisitions for carbon offsetting emerged as a pressing concern. Farmers described how corporations are buying vast tracts of farmland, often pricing out local farmers and shifting the land’s use away from food production.
“We’re all for planting trees,” said a vegetable farmer from Kent. “But the way it’s being done now, it’s pushing us off the land we’ve farmed for generations.”
Farmers urged the government to regulate these purchases, requiring corporations to work collaboratively with local farming communities to balance environmental goals with agricultural needs.
With market volatility and increased competition from imported goods, farmers called for policies that protect British food producers. Many highlighted the importance of fair trade agreements that don’t undercut domestic farming and incentives to strengthen local food supply chains.
“We can’t compete with countries that don’t have the same standards we do,” said a sheep farmer from Wales. “We need trade deals that protect British farmers and encourage people to buy local.”
Farmers also advocated for public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits of choosing British-grown food, emphasizing its quality, sustainability, and contribution to local economies.
The farmers at the protest expressed a strong willingness to adopt more sustainable practices but stressed that these transitions require financial and technical support.
“We’re ready to do our part for the environment,” said one farmer. “But it’s hard to make changes when we’re already struggling to make ends meet.”
Farmers recommended targeted grants for regenerative agriculture, renewable energy projects, and other green initiatives. They also called for government-backed research into innovative farming technologies that could boost productivity while reducing environmental impact.
Perhaps the most consistent message was the need for greater farmer representation in policymaking. Farmers spoke of a growing disconnect between government decisions and the realities of farming life.
“Too often, policies are made by people who’ve never set foot on a farm,” said one protester. “We need a seat at the table to make sure our voices are heard.”
Farmers proposed creating advisory councils or regional committees where farmers could collaborate directly with policymakers to ensure that decisions reflect practical, on-the-ground insights.
Farmers stressed the importance of preserving rural infrastructure, from roads to broadband, to keep farming communities viable. They argued that investing in rural areas supports not only agriculture but also broader economic and social development.
“You can’t run a farm without proper infrastructure,” said a farmer from Yorkshire. “We need the same level of investment and attention that cities get.”
The farmers who marched in London were clear: they are not against reform, but they need policies that empower them to thrive rather than force them to fight for survival. Their messages to policymakers reflect a practical and forward-thinking approach, rooted in the realities of farming life.
For farmers, their message is simple: listen to us, work with us, and let’s build a future where British agriculture continues to flourish.
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