Young Farmers’ Clubs voted by an overwhelming majority (98.9%) at their 93rd Annual Meeting of Clubs (AMC) to pass a motion denouncing proposed changes to Inheritance Tax, signalling firm support for British farmers.
The motion was debated at The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (NFYFC) Annual Meeting of Clubs (AMC), which was held in Leamington Spa on 13 April 2025.
The motion was proposed by Luke Cox from Wiltshire who asked members to agree that the proposed tax reforms would have a detrimental impact on the next generation of farmers and threaten the security of family farms.
Speaking at the meeting Luke, 28, shared how the tax would result in a lack of investment in his family’s Gloucestershire farm due to their need to save for a potential inheritance tax bill.
“It’s the restraint on investment that I think is particularly cruel to us as the next generation,” said Luke at the meeting. “The family farm tax is mathematically and morally wrong. I call on you to stand up for the future of UK agriculture.”
YFC AGRI Chair Robbie Tuer from Cumbria seconded the motion, highlighting how “the next generation is having to navigate more hurdles than ever before” and he called for more representation in policy decisions.
“We need young people, not just working in farming, but sitting at the table when policies are written,” said Robbie. “We need to be listened to, not just about Inheritance Tax, but about what kind of industry we want to build – one that’s resilient, fair and sustainable.”
The debate continued with young people from across the Federation speaking passionately about the impact the tax would have on their lives and families, with one 15-year old’s speech winning an award.
Every year during the meeting, judges award a YFC member with the Sidney Fawcett trophy for making the greatest contribution to the democratic proceedings of the meeting.
This year’s winner Jessica from Leicestershire & Rutland YFC was recognised by the judges after sharing her views on two of the motions, one being the Inheritance Tax proposals.
Jessica, who will be the fifth-generation farmer on her family’s 430-acre beef and arable farm, shared her concerns about the proposals.
“How can we be expected to carry on the legacies of our families when we are faced with such a huge tax burden? The reality is, the inheritance tax isn’t just a financial issue, it’s a barrier to continuing a family farm,” said Jessica at the meeting.
“If these tax proposals go through, many family farms will be lost… Without these family farms, without young farmers, we lose more than just a farm, we lose the very heart of rural Britain.”
Speaking after the meeting Jessica said the proposals were going to have a “massive impact” on her family farm. She added: “It may even lead to the farm being unviable when it’s my turn to take it on, leading us to sell up and not continue this legacy.”
Concerns about the prospects for new entrants were also raised during the debate. Young farmer Nathan Greenwood from Yorkshire said his rural-urban fringe club Worth Valley YFC had inspired new entrants from non-farming backgrounds but the tax proposals threatened future opportunities.
“I was lucky enough to be brought up on a farm that my family have owned and worked on for generations. But Young Farmers is for everyone and many of our members do not come from those circumstances.
“We have always been proud that Young Farmers has often been the first step for members from non-farming backgrounds to launch a successful career in agriculture. For many of them the ability to take on small parcels of land at tenancy farms has been essential for them to start that career. The sad reality is that if these tax changes go through, many of the landowners whose land has been used to support these new entrants will be forced to sell that land, removing those opportunities for our members.”
Voting took place online and at the meeting, and the motion was passed unanimously with 98.9% voting in favour.
Although the YFC vote does not carry legislative weight, the Federation hopes it conveys a resounding message of support for British farmers and reflects the united voice of the next generation of agricultural and rural leaders.
Summing up, Luke Cox reminded young farmers of the need for the industry to work together to bring about change. Luke said:
“This is a government policy. Don’t turn on each other, don’t blame each other and make sure we remain united as UK agriculture.”