EDM 536: Role of small family farms in Somerset

That this House recognises the crucial role small family farms in Somerset play in the UK’s agricultural sector, contributing to food production, environmental sustainability and rural employment; commends the environmental and economic benefits of family farms in Somerset, which produce £500 million worth of food annually, employing over 10,000 people; notes with concern the challenges posed by changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will have on family farms in the South West, given the average farm size is only 69 hectares, making them more vulnerable to financial shocks; further notes that the necessity to sell land to cover tax bills, threatens the generational continuity of family farms and the nation’s food security; believes that buying locally grown food is an excellent way for consumers to reconnect with farmers and develop a better understanding of where their food comes from and to support British farming; celebrates the cultural importance of Somerset’s small family farms during the festive period, providing locally sourced food and drink for the nation’s Christmas dinner tables; and calls on the Government to urgently review the impact of changes to APR and BPR on family farms.