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Agricultural Property Relief

McDonald's has raised its concern over proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief and how it could impact the future of British farming.  

The fast food chain said it was 'conscious' of the issues being raised by farmers following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget and how it could have an impact on the future of family farms.

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Consultation

NFU president Tom Bradshaw has led repeated pleas for the Chancellor to pause and consult with the sector over the changes.

So far, Ms Reeves has failed to agree to meeting with sector leads to find a solution which could work for both parties.

Family farms

²ÝÁñÉçÇø across Britain have said the changes could lead to businesses having to sell land in order to pay a tax bill and how it could 'break-up' small family farms.

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Mo Metcalf-Fisher, external affairs director at the Countryside Alliance, said the backing of the fast food empire could provide British farmers with a much-needed boost as the sector seeks to overturn the planned 20% taxation on inherited agricultural assets over £1 million from April 2026.

Supermarket giants including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda have all pledged their support for the Government to consult with the farming industry over the family farm tax.

Mr Metcalf-Fisher added: "McDonald's have for many years been a vocal supporter of British farming and their support in this important campaign would be incredibly significant."

Pledge your support: Save Britain's Family Farms

McDonald's supports more than 17,000 British and Irish farmers, with products such as milk and beef serving as a vital component of the items its customers enjoy on a daily basis.   

And with more than 1,400 outlets in Britain supporting the economy and jobs, the restaurant chain has offered British farmers a murmur of hope that it recognises how food businesses need to remain 'thriving' in light of the changes. 

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A spokesperson for McDonald's said: "We recognise the importance of this issue to British farmers and are conscious of the concerns being raised.

"We, like many food businesses, are reliant on a thriving farming sector and want to see a policy that will support farmers and help them to grow their businesses.

"McDonald's is a long-term supporter of British farming and we remain absolutely committed to spending over £2 billion a year on British ingredients that our customers love and trust."

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