Budget Day Must Deliver For British Farming says FFA
The farming community is putting Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Government on notice: the Budget on 28 October must deliver concrete action for British farming.
“The new Labour Government has until Budget day to show it is listening to the farming community by delivering decisions that protect our livelihoods, family businesses and national food security,” says William Taylor, FFA NI chairman.
The FFA demands are:
1. Reverse the inheritance tax changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), restoring full relief for farms and family businesses.
2. Commit to introducing a UK-wide Farm Welfare Bill to secure minimum farm-gate prices that cover the true cost of production, inflation linked plus a margin. This commitment must include a clear timetable for implementation.
“British farming supports jobs and businesses throughout the food supply chain and the wider economy. Farmers must be able to earn a fair living, invest in their businesses and pass viable farms to the next generation. Protecting family farms is essential to protecting our ability to feed the nation,” added William Taylor.
“Until Budget day, we urge farmers and supporters to remain calm and united.
“Those choosing to make their presence felt in London that day should do so peacefully, on foot only, while we await the Government’s decisions.
“The continued loss of family farms is putting British food production and food security at huge risk. The Government must make farming viable and profitable, and treat food production as a national priority.
“The Government has an opportunity to act. The farming community needs decisions and delivery. Promises alone will not be enough.”
