Farmers across Sussex staged peaceful protests on Friday against proposed changes to inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they say could jeopardize the future of family farms and disrupt local food production. Separate convoys and gatherings took place, each aiming to raise public awareness of the issue.
In Brighton, a group of farmers gathered at Asda in Hollingbury, focusing on direct engagement with shoppers. They distributed letters and spoke about how the changes might force small farms to sell their land, ultimately impacting the availability of locally produced food. This protest emphasized the connection between local agriculture and the community’s food supply.
A convoy of tractors traveled along the A24, stopping at seven supermarkets between Horsham and Brighton. At each location, farmers handed letters to store managers, highlighting the potential impact of the tax changes on farming families and the broader food supply chain. This convoy aimed to reach as many people as possible by covering multiple locations throughout the region.
They shared a common message: the proposed reforms could lead to fewer family-run farms, increased reliance on imports, and higher food prices. Farmers across the South East are calling on the government to reconsider the changes, urging greater protections for agricultural land and sustainable farming practices.
These protests marked a unified effort to involve the public in understanding the challenges facing farmers. By engaging directly with shoppers, the campaign sought to encourage broader support for policies that safeguard the future of local food production and rural economies.
