What the Autumn Budget Means for Farming and Why Coming Together Matters More Than Ever
The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, announced on 26 November, has landed with a thud across the UK’s farming and rural business community, and not the reassuring kind many in the industry had hoped for. Against a backdrop of farmer protests, tightening margins, rising costs, and deep uncertainty, the policy decisions unveiled this week will have far-reaching consequences for farm businesses, rural economies, and long-term succession planning.
From changes to Inheritance Tax rules to a new mileage charge for electric vehicles, the Budget has left many farmers warning of slowed investment, greater financial strain, and a widening rural-urban divide. Yet amid this challenging landscape, the industry’s response highlights something else too: the urgent need to come together, learn, adapt, and innovate.
Below, we break down the Budget’s key impacts, and why events like the Farm Business Innovation Show remain crucial for farmers planning their next steps.
Inheritance Tax: Minimal concessions, maximum anxiety
The single most contentious issue remains the Government’s earlier decision to overhaul Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), capping 100% relief at £1 million per person.
While the Chancellor confirmed a small concession this week, allowing the unused £1m relief to be transferred between spouses, farming organisations overwhelmingly agree it does not go far enough.
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NFU President Tom Bradshaw called the move “nowhere near far enough,” warning that many farming families, especially the elderly and vulnerable, face a “devastating impact.”
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Ulster Farmers Union President William Irvine described the policy as “devastating on many UK farms,” warning of urgent, difficult conversations now beginning between farmers, lawyers and accountants.
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The Tenant Farmers Association labelled the Government’s response “frustrating” and accused the Chancellor of avoiding meaningful engagement with farmers.
For many, the fear is clear: more forced land sales, more fragmentation of family farms, and reduced confidence to invest for the future.
Investment slowdown: WDA cuts and rural penalties
Two further announcements left rural businesses reeling:
1. Reduction of the Writing-Down Allowance (WDA)
From April 2026, the WDA rate will fall from 18% to 14%. The Office for Budget Responsibility warns this will slow investment in new machinery, exactly what many farms rely on to increase efficiency and reduce labour dependency.
2. Mileage-based tax for electric vehicles
Coming in April 2028, the new mileage charge disproportionately impacts rural motorists, who often have no alternative to long-distance travel. Industry groups warn this could actively slow the transition to EVs in rural areas.
Labour costs rising, inputs pressured, a sector feeling unheard
The National Living Wage has risen 12% in just two years, placing yet more pressure on horticulture and labour-intensive farms. Meanwhile, increased tariff quotas for sugar cane risk undermining UK growers.
Combined with frozen tax thresholds, which now extend the “60% tax trap” until 2029, farmers will face additional financial strain and reduced disposable income.
From Scotland to Northern Ireland to the South West, industry bodies all struck a similar tone:
Farmers feel overlooked, misunderstood, and undervalued by the Treasury.
As crowds gathered outside Westminster, some peacefully protesting, others simply watching and waiting, one message echoed across the sector: Farm businesses need clarity, confidence and community.
With major policy changes ahead of April 2026, rising operational costs, and tightening margins, farmers across the UK will need:
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expert advice
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diversification opportunities
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new income models
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clarity on policy
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innovation support
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and a strong community around them
This is why events like Farm Business Innovation Show have never been more important.
Looking ahead: Be part of the 2026 conversation
As the industry navigates one of the most uncertain periods in decades, Farm Business Innovation 2026 will play a vital role in helping farmers, landowners, and rural businesses plan for the future.
At the 2026 event, you can expect:
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Policy-led seminars breaking down the latest Government frameworks
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Experts in tax, succession, diversification and law
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Solutions for income generation, agritourism, renewables, small-scale enterprises and technology
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Networking with thousands of farmers facing the same challenges you are
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250+ exhibitors offering practical, profitable routes to resilience
If the Autumn Budget has made one thing clear, it’s this: Farmers cannot wait for certainty, they must build it.
Pre-register now for Farm Business Innovation 2026
Join us as the industry comes together to lead, learn and innovate through change. Pre-register today for the 2026 show and be the first to access programme updates, speaker announcements and free ticket releases.
