Northern Ireland Farmers Warned of Budget Cuts

New inheritance tax measures announced in the UK's autumn budget are set to impact around a third of farmers in Northern Ireland, with the dairy sector potentially facing even higher percentages of affected farms. The changes, which cap Agricultural Property Relief at £1 million, have been criticized by agricultural leaders, including the National Farmers' Union (NFU), who argue the reforms will disproportionately burden food-producing farms. Farmers express concerns that they may need to sell land to cover tax liabilities, threatening food security and the sustainability of family farms. MPs have raised questions about the government's understanding of the sector and the potential negative consequences for farmers' mental health and investment incentives. Calls for a reassessment of the budget's implications have been made, highlighting the need for robust support for farming communities amidst these changes. The Labour government, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, insists the reforms are necessary and impacts will be limited, though skepticism remains among farming representatives.