'Generosity, compassion, and community' at heart of rural life and farming communities

The Autumn Budget is just one of many pressures farmers face, whether it be volatile markets, rising costs, or changing regulations. These issues affect not only farmers but also the wider rural community, and their consequences ripple through families, businesses, and the fabric of rural life.

READ NOW: Defra Secretary Steve Reed under pressure after visiting one farm since Labour won the General Election

That was the message from Revd Matt Jeffrey, chief executive officer at The Arthur Rank Centre, which is an organisation that supports those at the ‘heat of rural life' including the farming community.

Rural communities 

In his Christmas address, on behalf of the centre's trustees, Revd Jeffrey said: "Whatever your beliefs, this season invites us to reflect on the values of generosity, compassion, and community. These values are at the heart of rural life, and they inspire us to continue supporting one another through every challenge."

Revd Jeffrey recognised how changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs and other measures in the Chancellor's Budget have caused ‘widespread concern and anger' and ‘huge challenges' for family farms up and down the country. 

READ NOW: Sir Keir Starmer's approval ratings drop as Inheritance Tax raid on small family farms hits Prime Minister's popularity

Budget 

In the letter, he said: "We are here for the farming community at this difficult time. We would like to offer a hand of friendship to anybody within the farming community by putting you in touch with rural Christians and churches who will be prepared to talk to you confidentially about your circumstances.

READ NOW: Port officials seize six tonnes of illegal meat in just two days

"We stand alongside you, whether you share our faith or not, because we believe that every individual and community matters."

Support 

In addition to one-to-one support, The Arthur Rank Centre can help at a community level through advocacy, practical support and encouraged. The centre said it was committed to ensuring the voice of rural communities is heard.

READ NOW: Hallow Holsteins secure seventh Royal Ulster Winter Fair inter-breed championship

He said: "Through meeting with DEFRA and partnerships with representative organisations like the Tenant Farmers Association, The Agricultural Chaplains Association and Farming Community Network, we seek to highlight the issues you face to policymakers and wider society."