FFA NI kicks off new campaign against farm tax and low prices

A national protest campaign over farm inheritance tax (IHT) and low farmgate prices has begun in Northern Ireland, with the first demonstration held in Coleraine on Thursday 29 January.

The campaign is being organised by the Farmers For Action (FFA) NI’s steering committee and forms part of a wider UK-wide protest.

Further protests are planned to take place every Thursday evening across Northern Ireland until 1 March.

See also: NI Farm Welfare Bill poised for final push at Stormont

Tesco has been selected as the focal retailer for the Northern Ireland actions, although FFA confirmed that letters have been sent by email and post to 11 of the UK’s largest food retailers.

The letters ask retailers to publicly state whether they will “turn over a new leaf” and lobby the UK government on issues raised by family farmers.

According to campaign materials shared by FFA NI, protesters are calling for the complete removal of farm IHT and the introduction of a UK-wide Farm Welfare Bill guaranteeing farmers payment at least equal to the true cost of production plus a margin.

They also wish to see an end to what the group describes as environmentally damaging food supply practices, including food imports that displace UK-produced goods.

The campaign also raises concerns about imported food standards and labelling.

FFA states that a protest flyer, formal letter to supermarkets, protest guidance document and Farm Welfare Bill proposal are being circulated to retailers and government departments.

Clear responses sought

The organisation is seeking clear yes or no responses to the campaign’s demands by 1 March 2026.

The group says low farmgate prices, tax policy and import practices are placing increasing pressure on family farms and rural communities, and has warned about declining UK food self-sufficiency.

The second week of protests is expected to take place in County Antrim on Thursday 5 February.

Farmers are being encouraged to attend with tractors, pick-ups and other farm vehicles to support leaflet distribution outside Tesco sites, with further details published on the Farmers For Action NI’s Facebook page.