Cambridgeshire farmer, Jamie Stokes manages his family's 1,000 hectare arable farm for his 96 year old grandfather. Years of succession planning had set a route for a fairly painless transition down two generations in one step. However, now if his grandfather survives until April 2026, at least 200 hectares of the farm must be sold to pay the tax bill, he says. And having just adjusted the business to survive the loss of subsidies, the maths on losing a fifth of the farm's land poses another major challenge.
This week from ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian editor Olivia Midgley
Another year, another calving block comes to an end, filled with a few surprises and challenges but mainly positive memories
"If I was to provide advice to any farmer, it would be this: always tell people where you are, tell them what you are doing and always keep a phone with you at all times"
"There will be a need for a rapid and concerted effort from the leaders in the rural and farming sectors to hold the Government to account on ensuring that the gulf between urban and rural support does not become even wider"
Director at Rostons Tony Rimmer says 'now is the time for unity' in our industry
"Labour have not thought through this policy"
Former DEFRA Environment Minister Rebecca Pow highlights the value of family farms for ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian's Save Britain's Family Farms campaign
"This tax could well mean the end of the family farm"
"Family farms are at the heart of a thriving rural economy, and farming plays a crucial role in delivering on priorities like nature recovery, climate mitigation, and clean water"