Tom Bradshaw, the president of the National Farmers’ Union, said he was still fearful that the inheritance tax changes would destroy rural investment and put Britain’s food security at risk after they became law in April.
He said: “We’ve been clear that we oppose the changes to inheritance tax on farming, which treat business assets as personal wealth.
“While we welcomed the concessions that have been made, some family farms still face substantial tax bills. This is stifling investment and could break up food producing businesses at a time of global instability and climate pressures.”
Since replacing Sir Keir in July, Andy Burnham has not signalled any potential climbdown on the issue.
Gavin Lane, the president of the Country Land and Business Association, said: “I think the tax is bad politics and bad policy. We presented data which showed how big the impact would be and we knew it was going to be much greater than the government let on.
“We are now seeing underinvestment in family farm businesses because people are so worried about this tax looming over them.”
A government spokesman said: “We are starting a new conversation with farmers. Our new Environment Secretary is travelling the country to see first-hand the incredible work that goes into getting food from field to fork, as we build a stronger, more resilient and profitable farming sector together.”
