Blog by Rebecca Morgan.
The 2025 NFU Conference marked a break from tradition, relocating from its usual Birmingham venue to the heart of Westminster. Though scaled back, this move was a strategic one, placing the event at the centre of UK political decision-making – a fitting setting given the storm around Inheritance Tax (IHT)
Inheritance tax a focal point for worried farmers
It was inevitable that concerns over IHT reforms would be a focal point. In a powerful moment during Tom Bradshaw’s opening address, he used Henry Maiden – son of Pinstone’s Helen Maiden – as a case in point to illustrate just why the NFU will not give up this fight.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed did little to reassure farmers during his address. His apparent nonchalance when challenged on IHT only served to fuel anger and frustration, culminating in a barrage of impassioned questions from the audience. His insistence that he “can’t comment on individual cases” rang hollow, given that the scenarios raised were not isolated incidents but represented the precise situation of many farming families across the country.
Instead, he deflected the focus towards farm profitability, announcing the creation of the Farming Profitability Unit which will tackle the deep-rooted problems that are holding the sector back. While the ambition is welcome – of course every farmer wishes to be profitable enough to afford IHT liabilities without selling off parts of their business – profitability won’t transform overnight. This is a long-term vision that sadly won’t save family farms facing large unforeseen tax burdens.
Progress on wider farming issues
For those who could look beyond the shadow of IHT, there were some positives in Mr Reed’s address, including:
- Focus on improving supply chain fairness with new regulations for pig sector contracts coming in as soon as the end of March
- Extension of the seasonal worker scheme
- £30 million increase in payment rates for existing higher level stewardship schemes
- Reopening of the capital grants scheme this summer
- Initiative with the Home Office to crack down on illegal meat imports
These are all critical issues that the NFU has actively lobbied on. While they are facing criticism for not taking a more aggressive approach on IHT, maintaining a constructive relationship with the government remains crucial to influencing farming policy.
The challenge for the NFU is ensuring member support remains strong while they execute their lobbying strategy around IHT. Farmers are desperate and scared for their future, with particular concerns for the wellbeing of elderly landowners as we approach next spring.
They want to see some signs of movement, that some sensible concessions and changes will be made, and quickly. The poor recent meeting with the Treasury has done nothing to allay farmers’ concerns, and perhaps there is a feeling that the strategy is not working.
The NFU was keen to stress that this is a marathon, not a sprint, and much of its work is focused on securing Labour MPs’ support to push back against their own party’s policy. This approach is seen as the best route to achieving adjustments and concessions, though any potential changes are unlikely to emerge before November’s fiscal statement.
Opportunities for growth in UK farming
Despite the shadows of IHT, there were plenty of invigorating moments at the conference, particularly around global export opportunities and innovations that are poised to transform farm productivity and sustainability.
The presentation from Wyke Farm’s Richard Clothier stood out and evoked a real sense of optimism – he highlighted growing opportunities for cheese and dairy products beyond the EU in markets including China, the US, and UAE.
A similar sentiment was echoed by Angus Davison from Haygrove Ltd who shared their journey from local producer to global exporter, demonstrating the huge potential for British farming abroad. He explained how their premium quality berries have gained traction in markets from the US to Asia, commanding price points that simply wouldn’t be possible domestically.
Mr Davison also laid down a challenge to the NFU and other farming organisations to pull together to run a consumer comms campaign to encourage increased domestic consumption – perhaps Mr Reed will also chip into the pot as part of his commitment to making UK farming more profitable!
The Henry Plumb lecture – an economic reality check
The conference concluded with the sixth annual Henry Plumb lecture, delivered by Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. His analysis of the government’s economic policies provided a sobering reality check.
Describing the current administration as “Augustinian” – a reference to Saint Augustine’s plea, “Lord, make me virtuous, but not yet” – he criticised the government’s tendency to promise long-term benefits while implementing short-term contradictions. He predicted that the upcoming Spring forecast would likely show the Chancellor breaking her so-called “iron-clad fiscal rules,” forcing difficult decisions on tax and spending.
For agriculture, his insights into the government’s decision to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 were particularly relevant. He warned that such commitments would likely result in funding cuts to other public services, potentially affecting agricultural support and investment.
Reasons for optimism in farming
While uncertainty remains, the farming community’s resilience and unity in the face of these challenges demonstrate the sector’s strength. British farmers have continually adapted to shifting policies, market fluctuations, and environmental pressures – this moment is no different, but confidence must be rebuilt.
Public support for British farming remains strong, and opportunities for export growth, sustainability-led innovation, and supply chain improvements were highlighted throughout the conference and offer genuine hope for a prosperous future.
About the Author
Rebecca brings a unique blend of professional communications expertise and hands-on farming experience. As an Associate Director at Pinstone, she specialises in agricultural communications strategy, helping businesses and organisations navigate complex policy landscapes. Rebecca also helps run her family’s beef and sheep farm in Shropshire, giving her firsthand experience of the challenges faced by British farmers. As the current NFU local branch chair, she is actively involved in grassroots agricultural advocacy and lobbying,
