Trade representatives are meeting with Exchequer secretary James Murray to discuss solutions
The UK farming industry has come together to urge Treasury ministers to be open to seeking solutions over the controversial family farm tax.
The call comes as Exchequer secretary James Murray was due to meet with the NFU, TFA (Tenant Farmers Association), CLA (Country Land and Business Association) and CAAV (Central Association of Agricultural Valuers) on Tuesdday 18 Feburary.
That was due to be followed by a further meeting with NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and UFU (Ulster Farmers’ Union).
Ahead of the meetings, the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, CLA, TFA and CAAV, which represent and advise agricultural businesses across the UK, stressed their unified message for ministers, namely that a way forward must be found which is ”fair, removes the huge risk to British agriculture, including significant emotional and financial pressures, and delivers for UK food security, something the government continues to insist is a priority.”
Collectively, the organisations said they will be discussing potential solutions with Murray, with more information on the proposals set to be made available after the meeting.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the organisations said: “Across every part of agriculture and its associated industries, and across every part of the UK, the message to the Treasury is the same – work with us to find solutions. Be prepared to listen not only to the UK’s farmers and growers, but also to food retailers and other companies in the food supply chain who have all said there must be change to this policy.
“We come to discuss proposals for that change that we think can help us move forward together in protecting British farming, British family-run farm businesses and, crucially, British food.”
