Supporting British Farmers: How You Can Help in Oundle and Beyond

Supporting British Farmers: How You Can Help in Oundle and Beyond

With recent changes to inheritance tax relief on agricultural land, British farmers have started protesting to raise awareness of the challenges these new regulations pose. For small family farms, especially those that are asset-rich but cash-poor, these changes could mean huge financial strain. A typical 200-acre farm making a modest annual profit could now face an inheritance tax bill of over £400,000, potentially forcing farmers to sell off land just to cover taxes.

As farmers who can’t be at the protests ourselves, we’re asking for community support in other ways. British farming is about more than food security; it’s about preserving the countryside we all enjoy, as well as the tourism and industries it supports. Here’s how you can help support British farmers and keep our countryside thriving.

1. Write to Your MP

Send a letter or email to your local MP to show your support for British farms. The CLA has provided a helpful draft letter and additional resources for those interested in making their voices heard.

2. Buy British in Supermarkets

Support local farms by choosing British produce at the supermarket. Don’t be swayed by packaging—check labels carefully to ensure your food is truly British-grown.

3. Buy Locally in Oundle

Support independent butchers, greengrocers, and bakeries that stock local British produce. Ask where your food comes from to show that buying locally matters to you.

4. Buy Direct from Farms

Farm shops, vegetable and meat boxes, milk vending machines, and egg stands offer fresher, local options. By buying direct, you help farmers bypass middlemen and earn more from their hard work. (Sign up for our newsletter to learn when our beef boxes are available!)

5. Choose Seasonal Produce

Opting for seasonal British produce means fresher, higher-quality food that didn’t need to be shipped in from abroad, reducing environmental impact while supporting local farms.

6. Support Local Agritourism

Farms across the Oundle area offer fantastic experiences like pumpkin patches, Christmas tree farms, and "pick your own" fruit events. These initiatives help farms remain profitable and give you a unique experience that supermarkets simply can’t offer.

Supporting British farmers is about preserving the land, community, and traditions we all cherish. By making even small changes to your shopping habits, you can help secure the future of British farming right here in Oundle and beyond.