Reynolds backs farm growth but ducks tax row

New Defra secretary Emma Reynolds has pledged to make Defra a “growth department”, and declared farming is “at the heart” of Britain’s economic renewal in her first major speech to farmers.

However, her failure to address the government’s controversial farm inheritance tax plans sparked alarm across the sector.

It has been a turbulent week at Defra.

Following Angela Rayner’s resignation as deputy prime minister, Steve Reed moved to Housing in a cabinet reshuffle.

Emma Reynolds replaced him as Defra secretary and Dame Angela Eagle took over from Daniel Zeichner as farming minister.

Speaking at the NFU’s Back British Farming Day event in London today, Ms Reynolds said she wanted to “work in partnership” with farmers to support food production, environmental recovery and rural prosperity.

She declared Defra a “growth department” at her first cabinet meeting earlier in the week.

See also: NFU president presses Reynolds on farm policy

“Our farming sector stands at the heart of Britain’s economic renewal,” she told the audience.

“We’ve allocated £11.8bn towards sustainable farming and food production… I attended my first cabinet meeting yesterday and I made that point – that Defra is a growth department and you are at the heart of that.”

Her speech was warmly received by industry leaders, including NFU president Tom Bradshaw, who said farmers would welcome the government’s renewed focus on driving growth across the sector.

“It’s great on day three that she has been able to come out and talk about farming on Back British Farming Day,” said Mr Bradshaw.

“Clearly, at this stage it lacks detail, but it recognises the economic importance of farming.”

Mr Bradshaw praised Ms Reynolds’ early engagement with farmers – having met her on her first day in post – and said her economic background could prove useful.

But he warned that her failure to mention IHT reforms was “very concerning”.

“We would have loved to have heard something about inheritance tax,” he said. “We know from our meeting that it’s on her radar, but we’ve not been told it will change.

“It’s a brake on investment – for some, it means no farm, no future.”

Tax concerns

The NFU, along with the CLA, TFA and other organisations, is lobbying Sir Keir Starmer’s government to rethink the proposed changes before the Autumn Budget in November.

The measures – which will impose a 20% tax on inherited agricultural assets worth over £1m – are due to come into force in April 2026.

Choking with emotion during his own speech, Mr Bradshaw described Labour’s farm IHT plans as a threat to the family farm model.

“For those who can pay this tax, it’s cutting off investment. For those who can’t, there won’t be a farm,” he warned.

Shadow farming minister Robbie Moore MP told Farmers Weekly that Ms Reynolds’ silence on the issue “illustrates she has no ambition to change course”.

“It’s incredibly worrying that the big elephant in the room wasn’t even acknowledged,” he said.

“We know Labour MPs are being whipped to vote this through – and we’re just months away from it taking effect.”

However, Labour MP Terry Jermy (South West Norfolk) urged continued dialogue.

“I’m sure Emma Reynolds, fresh in the role, will be lobbied extensively on this,” he said. “We haven’t had the vote yet. It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”

Steak and chips aficionado

Ms Reynolds, Labour MP for Wycombe who lives in the Chilterns, said she had visited many of the 79 farms in her own constituency and was deeply aware of the pressures farmers face.

She described a “perfect day” would be bacon baps for lunch and steak and chips for dinner.

“You are much more than food producers,” she said. “You support local economies, maintain cherished landscapes and are the beating heart of rural communities.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here to back British farming – and I look forward to working in partnership with you,” she added.