Wiltshire farmers to gather on 'day of unity' against planned tax increases
Inheritance tax increases could see land worth over £1 million taxed 20%
Wiltshire's farmers will take to the streets today (Saturday 25th January) as they continue protests against an inheritance tax increase.
The Day of Unity will see events take place across the country, with one being held in Swindon, the only part of the county with Labour MP's.
It's hoped it will spark a Government U-turn on the policy.
Wheat farmer Tim Carson will be in Swindon later as part of the protests and he told Greatest Hits Radio that communication from local MP's has been minimal.
He said: "We tried to get meetings with them when we had the day of action up in London, but unfortunately at the moment there's no meeting and no engagement with the Labour MPs, sadly."
Why no consultancy before changes?
The Pewsey Vale farmer continued by questioning the lack of consultation from Government ahead of the increases.
"Even Defra was surprised there was no consultation and they can see the problems arising already," Tim said.
He added that Government has 'closed the door, closed it's eyes and ears' to farmers and the Chancellor is refusing to engage with them.
As a result, farmers aren't ruling out further, and potentially more drastic action.
Tim said: "Some farmers will and already have blocked some supermarket distribution centres and all of a sudden we've got quite a few supermarkets supporting us now.
"Whether they're doing it to protect their own interests or they are actually saying that it's not fair on farmers, it doesn't really matter because they are supporting us.
"And that is major because it's the supermarkets that run the food retailing in this in this country."
Tenant farmers under pressure from Landlords
Tim revealed to us the extent of the impact the Government's decisions are having.
He told us he's a tenant farmer and that others in his position are coming under severe pressure from landlords.
Tim said: "Landlords are wanting to get their farms back, especially the big institutions who want to do their carbon offsetting and more greening and all that means is less and less land being used for food production."
Tim's hoping that the public will be able to learn more about food production at the Day of Unity in Swindon.
The farmers will be speaking to people, as well as allowing them to feed a group of Lambs and taking a tractor to the Outlet village.
He told us about Wiltshire's role in producing one of the most popular brands of chocolate.
Tim said: "The majority of the milk that goes to Cadbury's comes from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire. So we have a direct link with Cadbury and chocolates, so no doubt chocolates will be given away!"