Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has renewed his call for the government to scrap the family farm tax and "properly support farmers".
Tom visited a local farm as part of his ongoing tour across Yorkshire, gaining first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the farming community.
The visit was arranged by Peter Molyneux, who Tom met at the Great Yorkshire Show, where Peter gave him an engaging and informative tour of the event.
At the farm, Peter walked Tom through the daily operations and introduced him to local farmers.
From rising energy and feed costs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to trade difficulties linked to government policies, many farmers have described facing a “perfect storm of challenges.”
Adding to this pressure, farmers highlighted the Labour Government’s introduction of the family farm tax, which is placing further strain on smaller, independent farms.
With many farmers already earning less than minimum wage, changes to inheritance tax risk forcing family farms to be sold to larger, corporate organisations, threatening both local communities and the future of family farming.
Tom said:
“Our farmers have faced one shock after another – from rising energy and feed costs following Russia’s invasion, to the Conservatives’ mishandled trade deals, and now the Labour government’s family farm tax.
“Whether visiting local farms or speaking to farmers at the Great Yorkshire Show, I hear the same concerns time and again – with small, independent farms under the greatest pressure.
“Farmers are the backbone of our economy and our food security. It’s time the government recognised their vital role and stepped in with real support, instead of letting them struggle.”
Tom believes the government is ‘not supporting and safeguarding the future of farmers’ and following the same path as the Conservatives.
He and his Liberal Democrat colleagues are calling for the family farm tax to be scrapped and for ‘proper investment’ in our farmers to secure their future.
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