Europe farm crisis: British farmers latest to protest against slew of measures including inheritance tax

Sub : IR

Sec : Places in news

Farmers Protest in Britain Against New Tax Policies

Farmers are protesting what they call “anti-farmer” policies.
The issue centres on changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) in the inheritance tax system.

Changes in Inheritance Tax for Farmers:

New Rules (effective April 6, 2026):
- £1 million limit for tax-free inheritance of agricultural and commercial properties.
- Landowners must pay a 20% tax on values exceeding £1 million (lower than the 40% for non-farm properties).
Previous APR System (since 1992):
- Allowed farmers to inherit ancestral farmland tax-free, recognizing farming’s low profitability, labour intensity, and its role in food security.
- Farmers are concerned over rising costs for fertilisers, pesticides, and fuel, along with low food prices.

Global Context of Farmer Protests

Worldwide Trends:
- Farmers are resisting stricter climate regulations, reduced subsidies, and other policies impacting profitability.
- Key protest hotspots:
  - Netherlands (2019): Farmers opposed new nitrogen emission restrictions.
  - Germany (2023): Massive protests as subsidies were reduced to meet austerity measures post-Russia-Ukraine war.
  - Poland and France (2024): Farmers joined the movement, objecting to similar policies.

The Bigger Picture:

Farmers worldwide are grappling with policies aimed at balancing economic austerity, environmental goals, and food security.
The British protests join a growing wave of resistance, reflecting deep frustrations over taxation, costs, and global market challenges.

Source: DTE