²ÝÁñÉçÇø

EXCLUSIVE - Sir Mark Spencer on IHT: "Young farmers are walking away from the sector"

Former Farming Minister Sir Mark Spencer writes on why young people are walking away from a future in farming due to Inheritance Tax changes, and why farmers have been taken for granted

clock • 2 min read
Sir Mark Spencer said: "The reward has always been that you will one day be able to take on the family farm, to build on what your parents and grandparents did, and one day inspire the next generation of family to continue what you have done. Why, after all that work, effort, dedication and passion, would you (the farmer) do that to eventually be the generation that lost the family business to the tax man?"
Image:

Sir Mark Spencer said: "The reward has always been that you will one day be able to take on the family farm, to build on what your parents and grandparents did, and one day inspire the next generation of family to continue what you have done. Why, after all that work, effort, dedication and passion, would you (the farmer) do that to eventually be the generation that lost the family business to the tax man?"

Government policy is a complete disaster that we may not fully feel the impact of until it is too late. But the reality is, this is having a huge impact right now. Whilst I was the Farming Minister,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Warning tariff suspensions could undermine domestic food production

Warning tariff suspensions could undermine domestic food production

NFU Scotland has highlighted the ‘unintended consequences’ for Scottish food producers and long-term food security

Alex Black
clock 27 June 2026 • 2 min read
'Shockingly bad' and 'vague', opposition MPs deliver their verdict on Labour's  Farming Roadmap

'Shockingly bad' and 'vague', opposition MPs deliver their verdict on Labour's Farming Roadmap

Conservative and LibDem rural representatives criticise document saying it will do nothing to support farmers

Jane Thynne
clock 27 June 2026 • 4 min read
Agriculture split over EU reset summit delay caused by Starmer's resignation

Agriculture split over EU reset summit delay caused by Starmer's resignation

Crop group says pause will enable parties to better prepare while meat industry warns further hold-ups will only fuel farmer frustration

Jane Thynne
clock 25 June 2026 • 2 min read