The National Farmers Union (NFU) has launched a public letter-writing campaign to urge the Government to drop proposed changes to family inheritance tax on farms.

The initiative has been backed by many farmers, with over 12,000 letters sent to 551 MPs within 12 days asking them to address issues within the farming sector.

Farmers have warned that proposed inheritance tax on larger farm properties would put food production and the viability of farms at risk.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “It is remarkable that in the space of less than two weeks, more than 12,000 letters have been emailed to politicians of all parties. Many MPs have been contacted by more than 50 constituents, which really helps the message cut through.

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“This awful and unfair tax is going to have so many unintended consequences, and the human impact is not being considered by the government. You only have to watch the powerful interview with the Rees family on BBC Countryfile to understand how many farming families will be left in the lurch, unable to afford horrendous future tax bills.”

According to the farmers, investment and farm succession will be negatively impacted if the proposed higher farm tax is implemented.

Additionally, the NFU has written to the Chancellor about the upcoming Autumn Budget, which includes changes and a more targeted approach for inheritance tax reform.