FARMER Neil Young handed a direct reminder to one of Cumbria's Labour MPs about the type of produce that would be lost if family farms are forced to fold.

Neil, who farms at Crummock Bank Farm, Waverton, travelled to Westminster on Tuesday to meet his MP, Markus Campbell-Savours, and took with him locally-grown potatoes and a bag of flour made from local wheat and milled by Carrs Flour Mill.

"I took the produce because I wanted to explain about food miles and how it all happened within the MP's constituency," said Neil.

"Was it successful, who knows, but Markus did say he wanted information and to be educated, so I urged everyone to email him their own situation and their account showing how tight things are as every farm is different.

"I asked him to be more in touch with his constituency.

"We also explained the massive variation of land price across Penrith and Solway. He's a politician, so hard to read, but it was a pleasure to get the chance to express our feelings directly, not just for me, but every person and business involved."

Markus Campbell-Savours, Labour MP for Penrith and Solway told The Cumberland News that NFU members had visited him in Parliament and discussed the proposed changes to inheritance tax for farms.

“They explained the current difficulties the sector faces and the impact the new rules would have on Cumbrian farms. I am extremely grateful for the visit and the detailed information provided to me by those who travelled down for the day.

"Although announced in this month’s budget, legislation will not be placed before Parliament until next year’s finance bill.

"This gives me time to speak with more farmers in the Penrith and Solway constituency and ensure that their challenges are fully appreciated by the government. I invite all farmers with concerns to email office@campbellsavours.uk, I am keen to hear in detail how farmers believe these changes will affect them and their families. I still have many question.”

Carlisle Labour MP Julie Minns said she was grateful to the local farmers who travelled to London this week to meet with her as part of the NFU lobby.:

"It was an opportunity to hear firsthand about the challenges they face, and to listen to their concerns.

"It’s a dialogue I will continue in the weeks and months ahead with visits planned to local farms and as part of the NFU Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme.

"The Labour Government is committed to working with UK farmers and producers to ensure a resilient, safe and secure supply of food.

"That's why we have committed £5bn to the farming budget over two years - the largest budget for sustainable food production in our history.

"I am listening carefully to the concerns raised about the changes to APR, which will see estates receive relief of £1m, with up to £500,000 of additional relief.

"If the estate is jointly-owned by a couple in a marriage or civil partnership, the relief doubles from £1.5m to £3m.

"Any tax owed beyond the level of relief will be charged at 20 per cent, half the standard 40 per cent, and if farms are gifted to family members at least seven years before death no inheritance tax is payable.

READ MORE: Help us save Cumbria's family farms

"Based on the latest figures for APR, from 2021/22, well over two thirds of farms will be unaffected by the changes.

"The loophole we are closing has previously been used by wealthy landowners to avoid tax, which artificially inflated the value of farmland.

"The policy incentivised private and institutional investors, and so-called "lifestyle" farmers, to buy agricultural land, and resulted in just 47 per cent of land being bought by traditional farmers last year.

"This is a fair and balanced approach that protects small family farms whilst also fixing the public services – the NHS, policing, schools – that rural areas also rely on."

Messages of support have poured in on social media from local organisations, schools and businesses.

C&D Rural said "To those wo work hard to feed the nation and care for our countryside know that the whole team at C&D Rural and C&D Auction Marts stand with you.

Midtown Milk House revealed a special video saying "We can't afford to lose British farms."

H&H Land & Estates "Standing together for our Farmers"

Herd's Media "This family tax is just the latest kick in the ribs of the farmer and their family who are already on their knees"

Red Shepherdess: "This march is about protecting their future, environment, food security and rural communities"

Lovingly Artisan Bakery "Support our farmers"

Cumberland Show and Gillian Potts "Back British Farming"

Pam Roelich "We are grateful to farmers. Thankful for our Food"

Cumbrian accountants, David Allen "We wish all our farming clients and communities across the country the best of luck today as they head to London"

The Cumberland News is standing shoulder to shoulder with Cumbria's farmers as we call on the Government to rethink its crippling farm tax plan but we need your help! Find out more about our campaign here.