WELLINGTON residents are standing up for farmers today (November 19) as part of a national protest against the autumn budget which was announced at the end of last month.

The protest is being held in London and is promoted by the hashtag #nofarmersnofood on social media to indicate solidarity with the national farming community now facing significant tax and financial changes.

Organised by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), the event saw 1,800 of their members descend on Westminster to voice their concern with local MPs. According to the Metropolitan Police, roughly 20,000 people attended had gathered in central London by 11am, calling for an end to the “tractor tax”.

Other rallies are being held around the country, and for those unable to attend, wellies are being worn or displayed in shop windows throughout the day to show local support for the cause.

Ashbrittle farmer John Ker travelled to London with several farmers from the area to “show support and solidarity for agriculture in general” he says.

“Of course, the inheritance tax is a big part of it. It’s a poorly targeted policy. But it’s not just about that, there’s been lots building up to this,” he said.

In her Autumn Budget, chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans to impose inheritance tax on farms worth more than £1m, sparking anger in rural communities who believe the government is wrong in their assertion that small family farms will not be impacted by the changes.

Andrew Sincock, managing director of Agriton Group, a green farming business based in Westleigh, says farmers need to tread carefully in delivering their message.

He added: “Farmers have been moaning that the UK public doesn’t support agriculture for a long time and while I feel the protests are entirely valid, I do question the decision behind it all and I don’t think it will endear farmers to the general public.

“I do think the government has used a broad brush, but I think farmers, who are privileged in their position, need to be careful with their message.”