Information for YFC members following the Budget announcements

Announcements made in the autumn Budget, including tax changes and wage increases, have understandably caused concern among young farmers.

These significant changes will impact the next generation of farmers. NFYFC’s YFC AGRI Chair has spoken out on this topic with a statement that was shared with the media, Government and MPs. Read the statement here.

We understand the frustration felt by young farmers. NFYFC is working with many industry and government groups at the highest levels, contacting MPs, gathering information from the YFC AGRI group and NFYFC has also been a co-signatory on open letters to the Treasury from MPs.

Planned events

NFYFC is aware of two events that are being planned in London on 19 November 2024.

NFU Lobby event

The NFU has organised a lobby event, which involves bringing NFU members to London for meetings with their MPs. Due to the lobby’s popularity, the NFU tripled the capacity for NFU members’ attendance to 1800, and all of these spaces are now full. More information about the NFU's plans is available here.

Rally

A group of farmers, including Olly Harrison from Merseyside, are working on a rally to be held on the same day in London. This is an independently coordinated rally and is not being organised by the NFU or NFYFC.

Organisers of the rally have requested that anyone who is interested in attending should register online in advance. The organisers are planning to meet at Richmond Terrace, Whitehall at 11am on 19 November 2024 and the event also involves a food bank donation. For more information about the rally, see this latest video from Olly Harrison, which also includes more details in the text of his post.

Request from the rally organisers

Anyone who chooses to go to the Rally does so at their own risk and is reminded by organisers of the following:

• All attendees are responsible to, not only themselves, but also, the reputation of the farming industry.
• All attendees must ensure that Richmond Terrace and the surrounding areas are left as they are found, including removing all litter and campaign materials.
• Attendees should not bring machinery.
• Trouble will not be tolerated, and organisers have stated they are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safety of all involved, given the family nature of the event.

Other positive actions YFC members can take:

• Ask to meet your own MP and tell them what the budget changes would mean to you, your family, your farm and your future. Get advice on lobbying in this helpful guide.
• Ask your County Chair or Area Chair to write to your local MP. Find your local MP.
• Work with your County Federation to organise a local discussion event for members in your county involving a local MP, a land agent and a tax advisor and invite other farming organisations too.
• Sign the NFU petition to overturn the family farm tax.

We understand the Budget announcements may have caused concern for you and your family. If you are struggling and need to talk with someone, please contact The Farming Community Network on 03000 111 999 or see our signposting for support section.

Please contact sarah.palmer@nfyfc.org.uk for more information.