The UK horticulture and farming community has found an unexpected ally in Morrisons. The supermarket chain has publicly supported farmers protesting against the government’s controversial inheritance tax changes. Many fear the proposed policy could threaten small, family-run farms, forcing them to sell land or shut down.
Sophie Throup, head of agriculture at Morrisons, reassured farmers that the retailer understands their concerns. She pledged to keep raising the issue with the government, urging policymakers to reconsider. While many welcomed the supermarket’s support, some farmers remain sceptical, questioning whether retailers truly have their best interests at heart
Farmers in Tax Battle
Morrisons has thrown its weight behind farmers protesting against the government’s proposed inheritance tax changes. The supermarket chain says the new measures could threaten the survival of small, family-run farms.
Sophie voiced strong support for the farming community in a social media post. She called the changes “damaging” and urged the government to reconsider. “We understand your frustration,” Throup said. “We’ve been raising concerns with the government since November, and we won’t stop now.”
She reassured farmers that Morrisons would continue to advocate for them, adding, “We are with you. We are here to help.”
Many welcomed the move, praising Morrisons for stepping up. Conservative shadow farming minister called it a “huge show of support.” The Countryside Alliance also backed the supermarket’s stance, urging other retailers to do the same.
Will Other Retail Giants Follow?
The farming community sees this as a positive step, but some remain sceptical. While Morrisons speaks out, many argue supermarkets could do more to support farmers financially.
Clive Bailey, founder of The Farming Forum, questioned retailers’ motives. “If they truly cared, farm returns wouldn’t be so low,” he said. He believes supermarkets prioritise shareholders over farmers.
Farmers say the tax hike, combined with existing price pressures, could push more small farms out of business. Many now wonder if other supermarkets, such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s, will take a stand.
For now, Morrisons has set the pace, but whether this leads to industry-wide action remains to be seen.
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