A FARMERS across north Essex have warned inheritance tax changes will put series pressures on the future of their businesses.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves' controversial decision to scrap inheritance tax relief for farms valued over £1m has left countless farming families suddenly facing a 20 per cent tax bill when handing land and assets down to the next generation.

Last month the proposed reforms to agricultural and business property relief (APR and BPR) were published in draft legislation for the government's Finance Bill 2025-26.

Fergus Howie, who runs Wicks Manor Farm in Tolleshunt Major, and John Strutt, of Lord Rayleigh's Farms, in Terling, have met with Witham MP Priti Patel to discuss their concerns.

Support - Priti Patel MP with Fergus Howie, Managing Director of Wicks Manor farm (Image: STEVE BRADING) The farmers claim Labour's additional tax burden will add to the pressure, placing local food production and rural employment at risk.

Following her visit, Ms Patel said: "Wicks Manor is an outstanding family business, and I pay tribute to Fergus Howie and his family for their dedication to farming and supplying the UK and beyond with high quality, internationally recognised pork products.

"They are producing and selling some of the finest produce we have, and it is vital that they are supported to invest and grow.

"As this Labour government continues to assault our rural communities with their ideological and direct attack on the backbone of our rural economy, the UK will be subject to higher food prices and weakened domestic food security, while they push generations of farming families out of business.

Concerns - Priti Patel MP in discussions with Fergus Howie, Managing Director of Wicks Manor farm (Image: STEVE BRADING) "This is a clear political choice from Labour, and the consequences will be felt across Witham and the UK."

Ms Patel also visited Lord Rayleigh's Farms to hear directly about the growing pressures facing the agricultural sector.

Farming - Priti Patel MP in discussions with Lord Rayleigh (Image: STEVE BRADING) Ms Patel said: "I am grateful to Lord Rayleigh for hosting me and for offering such a clear and constructive insight into the pressures facing British farming.

"There are real, material concerns that affect food security, rural jobs and the long-term stewardship of our countryside - with increasing costs and a completely muddled strategy, this Labour government have shown they fundamentally do not understand business, rural communities and farmers."

The visit is part of Mrs Patel's ongoing engagement with the agricultural sector in the Witham constituency and commitment to championing rural communities in Westminster.

A Government spokesperson said: "Our commitment to farming and food security is steadfast.

"We've allocated a record £11.8billion to sustainable farming and have appointed former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters to recommend new reforms to boost farmers' profits.

"Most estates claiming Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs will be unaffected by the changes.

"The latest data shows that 40 per cent of Agricultural Property Relief - worth £219m - was directed to just 117 estates. The money raised will go towards public services we all rely on every day instead."

Essex farmers warn Labour's inheritance tax changes will be 'disastrous'