Powys farmers were among the thousands who made the journey to London for a mass protest over changes to inheritance tax for farmers.

As farmers from across the UK descended on the capital on Tuesday, November 19, for an organised protest and march in Whitehal, farmers from Mid Wales either joined the protest itself or showed solidarity with the cause through protests at home.

The protest was held in response to the announcement that from April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m, which were previously exempt, will be liable to the tax at 20% - half the usual inheritance tax rate.

Many farmers argue that these changes would mean they would have to sell up to be able to pay the tax, being asset rich but cash poor, while the government has maintained that "the vast majority" would be unaffected.

However, NFU Cymru Brecon & Radnor County Chairman Rob Powell, who attended the London protest by travelling from his home in Builth Wells, believes “small family farms” will be “swept into” an effort to focus on wealthier companies.

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He said: “At the end of the day we feel we’ve been lies to. I saw in hustings with multiple candidates who promised they would not change agricultural property relief.

“It feels as if there’s been no consultation behind this decision, as if it’s been rushed through with no research. I can understand there needs to be a push against these big multi-million companies buying up land for tax write-offs, but have they’ve ended up targeting small family farms and getting them swept up in this.

“There are multiple farmers I know who would be directly affected by this, including most of the people on the bus to London, and most of them come from small farms.

(Image: NFU Cymru)

“What I hear is from the government is that they want to look after the next generation of farmers. But based on this it seems as if they actually don’t. They’ll burden that next generation with bills before they even start farming.

“By all means go after the big companies and make them pay a fair share, but leave working family farms out of this.

(Image: RENATO GUERRA)

(Image: Renato Guerra/Miranda Parry Photography/NFU)

Dewi Gethin Evans , from Llanwrtyd Wells, also attended the protest and described a crowd that “exceeded organisers expectations”.

“We arrived at Westminster at 10:30am, and as soon as we stepped off the tube we were surrounded by people wearing wellies and countryside attire all heading to Downing Street .As we gathered outside Whitehall the crowds quickly grew

“A number of people spoke, including Jeremy Clarkson, leaders of the Tory and Lib Dem parties, president of the NFU. Several farmers spoke incredibly well and conveyed everyone’s concerns about the recent budget perfectly.

“Farmers turned up with produce for local food banks, so much so they had to organise an extra collection centre.

“It was a real honour to be part of it, and I hope that Sir Starmer and the chancellor have listened to our concerns and make some meaningful adjustments to their proposed budget.

“Historically UK farmers have not had a great history of being able to stick together, but yesterday proved that farmers, that came from every corner of the UK, are passionate about this matter and will not stand for being trampled on anymore.”

(Image: Dewi Gethin Evans) Chris Lloyd, owner of Welshpool’s Coed-Y-Dinas, also voiced support, with teams at the Welshpool store wearing wellies throughout the day to show support.

Mr Lloyd added: “Today, we stand with British farmers. Coming from a farming family, we know firsthand the hard work, passion and resilience required.

“We do not want to see the demise of family farms under any circumstances.”