Review says new deal is needed for 'bewildered' farming sector

THE farming sector is “bewildered and frightened”, with inheritance tax and farming payment changes causing significant ongoing concern, a review for the Government has found.

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The farm profitability report by former National Farmers’ Union president Baroness Minette Batters has called for a “new deal for profitable farming” that recognises the true cost of producing food and delivering for the environment.

In response to the review, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds announced farmers and food businesses would have a stronger voice in Government through a new “farming and food partnership board” to drive growth, productivity and long-term profitability across the sector.

The terms of the review by Baroness Batters did not include the controversial changes to inheritance tax, which will are set to apply to farm businesses worth more than £1 million.