Farmers Protest Inheritance Tax with Worthing Supermarket Demonstration

Farmers across Sussex staged a peaceful protest today, parking tractors at supermarket car parks to oppose proposed changes to inheritance tax laws affecting family farms.

The demonstration, led by the campaign group The Final Straw, targeted six locations across Sussex, including Sainsbury’s at Lyons Farm.

Farmers expressed concerns over tax reforms introduced in the 2024 Budget, which would impose a £1 million tax-free cap on farm values, replacing the current full exemption. Protesters highlighted the financial strain on farming families and the potential loss of generational farming if the changes are implemented.

The National Farmer’s Union (NFU) voiced support for the farmers, although it was not directly involved in the protests. NFU President Tom Bradshaw acknowledged the growing frustration within the farming community and urged protesters to maintain public support for their cause. The NFU is planning a National Day of Unity on January 25 to further campaign against the tax reforms.

The Final Straw campaign emphasised that farmers already face tight profit margins due to rising production costs and limited government support. They warned that without changes to the proposed tax, many farms could face closure, leading to higher food prices and reduced agricultural output. The protests aim to raise awareness and secure backing from both the public and supermarket chains to push for a government review of the legislation.