One of the hottest topics at the moment in the farming industry is the Government’s plan to introduce the Family Farm Tax. There is fierce opposition because it could harm families and even result in the loss of farms. In their battle against it, the NFU is planning a symbolic display of farm toys and farming equipment later this month. Let’s take a closer look.

A controversial tax

The Government announced in the Autumn Budget that they are planning to reform agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR). It will mean that some families will have to pay more inheritance tax when they pass on their land and farm equipment. The plan is for the change to come in on 6th April 2026.

The Government’s reasoning for reforming the inheritance tax reliefs is they want to make them fairer. They claim that it is not fair that a small number of claimants every year account for such a big amount of relief. It costs the tax payer hundreds of millions of pounds. They say the reform will make it fair and raise more money for public services.

Opposition

There has been a huge backlash against the change to APR and BPR. Commonly, farmers are asset rich but cash poor. That means that they may have valuable assets in terms of land and equipment, but they don’t have the liquidity to pay potential inheritance tax bills. The fear therefore is that the change would mean some farmers have no choice but to sell up.

The NFU is now planning a symbolic display to show the potential impact of the Family Farm Tax. Their annual conference is taking place in London on 25th Feb. Alongside it, they are planning to display farm toys, tractors, and other farming equipment at the QEII Centre.

The display aims to show what would be lost if the tax does come in. Most poignantly, the toys symbolise a farm that could disappear and the generation that will be losing it.

The NFU hopes the display will show the Government, especially Chancellor Rachel Reeves, what is at stake. They also confirmed they will continue to do all they can to fight against the tax to protect British farmers.

Toy donations are welcome. The NFU has several options for anyone that does want to donate. First, they’ve arranged a donation label so you can pack a toy and arrange delivery with Royal Mail. Delivery charges do apply though. Secondly, there are drop off points, including at NFU HQ in Warwickshire. Finally, conference attendees can bring donations with them on 25th Feb.

After the conference, the NFU will donate all toys to charity. Therefore, they can go on to teach new children about the importance of farming.

Want to buy the best farm toys?

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If you want to know about any of our products, including farm toys, you are welcome to get in touch. We have a friendly, knowledgeable team so you get a great service every time.