NORTH Cornwall’s MP, Ben Maguire has met with Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner MP to address key issues impacting the agricultural community of North Cornwall.

Chief among these concerns is the government’s proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), which Maguire has warned could have severe consequences for family farms across Cornwall.

During the meeting on November 12, Mr Maguire conveyed the depth of concern from local farmers over the proposed changes, which have been dubbed the ‘Family Farm Tax.’ He stressed that these planned adjustments to APR could harm farming communities for years to come, affecting the ability of families to pass down farms to the next generation.

Mr Maguire also raised the significant delays that many farmers are experiencing with their Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and delinked payments, which are causing worry among many in North Cornwall.

Ben Maguire MP said: “Our farming communities are under tremendous pressure right now. These tax changes could devastate family farms, and the delays in SFI payments are causing anxiety and financial strain for farmers who are already grappling with reduced support.

“The mental health impacts of these current challenges are building to a point where thousands are seriously struggling. I’ve heard the stories firsthand - and I will keep fighting to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.

“I will also be proudly standing with the farmers who will be travelling to Westminster next Tuesday (19th), to protest against the Government’s changes to inheritance tax which will affect them deeply. I look forward to welcoming them to Parliament so that we can make their case heard loud and clear.”