Summit sees farmers hit out at 'tragedy tax' for industry

FARMERS gathered for a special summit in Devon and blasted plans for a new inheritance levy.

- by ADAM TOMS

Growers attended Darts Farm to voice their fears at the prospect of having to pay millions because of changes due to come into force next year.

They heard the story of a 78-year-old farmer with cancer who says that if he were to die before April 6 next year he would not have to pay a penny more in inheritance tax. But, if he were to pass away after the date when those with more than £1million in assets will be subject to a new levy, he would have to hand over more than £1million.

The changes brought in by Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been dubbed a 'tragedy tax' and many in the industry fear family farms won't be able to survive. Many were angry that there concerns are being ignored.

"It feels like nobody understands or cares about what we do," said Michael Dart, owner of Darts Farm, which sells food directly from its own land and hundreds of other local growers.

Darts Farm shop was recently named as one of the best in Britain and is regularly hailed as a business success story. Speciality Food magazine said visitors could easily lose a whole day at the farm.