New research sparks concerns over food affordability

SHOCKING new research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats reveals that 58% of people in Wales anticipate food prices will rise due to the Family Farm Tax introduced in the recent Budget.

In response, the Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to reject the government’s Finance Bill, citing its damaging impact on family farms and wider rural communities.

Worrying changes in food habits

The research highlights alarming trends in how Welsh residents plan to cope with rising food costs. Nearly half (47%) of those expecting increases said they would switch to cheaper alternatives, while 32% revealed they would cut back on the amount of food they buy.

These changes could have significant health implications, with 19% of respondents admitting they are likely to buy less fresh fruit and vegetables if prices go up. The knock-on effect on small businesses is also evident, with 16% of respondents saying they would turn to larger supermarkets, posing further challenges for independent retailers already grappling with the rise in employers’ NIC contributions and the potential impact of the bus fare cap on foot traffic.

Liberal Democrats push for action

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to scrap the Family Farm Tax, arguing that its effects extend far beyond the farming sector. They warn of serious consequences for families and pensioners struggling to manage rising costs, urging support for their manifesto pledge to boost farming budgets by £1 billion, including £50 million annually for Wales.

“A tax that hits every family”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader David Chadwick MP said:
“I will fight this disastrous tax hike every step of the way and ensure Wales’ voices are heard in Westminster. The impact of this tax hike goes beyond farming communities—families and pensioners across Wales will be hit if food prices go up.

“The Budget has proven that the new Labour government does not understand rural communities or farmers and their vital role in food security, environmental protection, and the Welsh economy.

“We are urging the Labour government to axe the tax now. If not, the impact on already struggling communities will be catastrophic.”

LOCAL Conservative Member of the Senedd (MS) Samuel Kurtz has urged Pembrokeshire’s MP to oppose what he calls “vindictive” changes to inheritance tax (IHT) on farms, as the Conservative Party gears up to force a vote on the issue in Parliament.

Conservative MPs will use their opposition day debate on Wednesday (Dec 4) to push for a vote on Labour’s controversial proposal that would increase IHT payments on farmland.

In her first Budget as Chancellor, Rachel Reeves announced plans to reform agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR). Conservatives argue the changes could saddle farming families with tax bills running into millions of pounds.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Labour’s vindictive family farm tax threatens to destroy British farming as we know it. Farmers in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and across the UK will face devastating consequences. On Wednesday, MPs across the country have a choice: will they vote to axe the tax and save the family farm, or will they turn their backs on rural communities and support this damaging policy?”

According to the National Farmers Union (NFU), three-quarters of farmers could be affected by the changes. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) estimates that the average 250-acre arable farm would need to sell 20% of its land to meet the new tax burden.

Kurtz added: “Two weeks ago, thousands of farmers descended on Westminster to make their voices heard. So far, the government has refused to listen. Labour MPs, including Pembrokeshire’s, now have a chance to side with British farming or remain silent. Which route will they take?”

TWO SCHOOL pupils from Pembrokeshire came out on top as the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has revealed the winning designs for its Christmas card design competition.

Children from primary schools across Wales had been invited to submit a farming themed Christmas card design in aid of Wales Air Ambulance, the FUW’s current Presidential charity.

The competition was split into two categories – English and Welsh designs. The English category was won by Will Smith, 10 years old, from Roch Community School, Haverfordwest. The Welsh category was won by Keira Lewis, 9 years old, from Narberth CP School, Pembrokeshire.

FUW President Ian Rickman said: “The competition was a roaring success once again and has attracted hundreds of entries from across Wales. The standard was very high and presented the judges with a tough task when it came to choosing the winners.

“I would like to thank every single child who entered the competition and to tell them that without their participation the contest would not have been such a success. I would also like to express my gratitude to the staff at the schools up and down the country that assisted the FUW in the running of the competition.

“It gave children in urban and rural areas of Wales an opportunity to connect with the farming industry and express their thoughts in a creative and colourful way. I believe it is vital that we as farmers maintain a strong link with young people so that they understand the way that food is produced in this country.”

The cards can be purchased either from the FUW’s head office by calling 01970 820820 or from respective FUW county offices.