Government addresses support for farmers but those in Suffolk are not convinced

With just over a week to go until the spring budget, farmers across Suffolk will be waiting to see if there are any more updates on the proposed inheritance tax.

Ahead of this, we've been speaking to Government heads, presenting the issues that farmers have brought up and asking how they're addressing these concerns and how they will help the agricultural industry.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, tells us he believes the tax isn't the issue farmers should be focusing on.

He said: "The issue facing farming is not a tax that's not yet come into force; it's the fact that so much of farming doesn't make a profit. The government has announced steps we can take to support farming.

"So the issue is profitability, and that's why I am focused on making farming profitable by using all the powers that the government has, including our commitment to buying more British produce to make farming more profitable."

Alex Norris is a MP who has also spoken out on the Government's plans to help farmers:

"We've started a 25-year road map to ensure that farming is resilient and profitable for those working in the industry. That's something the NFU has said is long overdue."

However, not everyone in the house agrees.

We spoke to Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Victoria Atkins who said:

"Take a humane look at their circumstances and understand the damage Labour's family farm tax is going to have on them (farmer) and their families."

Farmers in Suffolk

Farmers in Suffolk say they're concerns are not being heard.

You can read more about how farmers feel on the inheritance tax here.

Farmer Patrick Barker from Westhorpe tells us he wants farmers to be considered before legislation changes:

"Just take a bit of time, talk to people, engage with the NFU and the other groups and take time to understand food production, environmental management and how it all fits together.

"Then start to create a policy that means we have a countryside that is thriving."

John Watt is a farmer from Laxfield, he tells us a lot of anger has come from this tax:

"If you made a promise to farmers a year ago as a government, keep it.

"You promised not to change this, you've done it.

"Everyone in the industry, all the experts are saying just how damaging this is, listen to them"

To read more on the financial side of farming click here.

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