Lidl backs farmers' calls for a consultation over Inheritance Tax

Lidl said it is concerned that the recent changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) will impact farmer and grower confidence and hold back the investment needed to 'build a resilient, productive and sustainable British food system'.

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Inheritance Tax

Lidl joins other supermarkets including Morrisons, Booths, Asda, Tesco, as well as some industry processors in showing its support for farmers following the Chancellor's proposed changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief in the Autumn Budget.

Lidl has echoed other retailers in calling for a pause in the implementation of IHT changes and for the Government and Treasury to consult with the industry to achieve a 'mutually beneficial outcome'.

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British farmers

In a statement, Lidl said: "At Lidl GB, we are incredibly proud of the strong and long-term relationships we have built with British producers over the last 30 years. We remain committed to supporting British farmers now more than ever, and over the last year announced investments of £1 billion into the British egg industry and £1.5bn into the British beef industry, as well as a £500 million investment into the British pork sector and £70m into British root vegetable suppliers. By the end of the financial year, we will have invested a total of £21bn in the British food industry, exceeding our original five-year commitment by 40%.  

Lidl shoppers

"As a supermarket, we are one of agriculture's biggest customers, and being able to buy British-sourced produce is incredibly important to Lidl shoppers. With two thirds of our products sourced from British suppliers, including 100% of our everyday fresh beef, pork, poultry, milk, butter, cream and eggs, it is important that we help British farmers, food producers and suppliers thrive now and in the future.

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"Providing security and long-term investment for British agriculture is key to helping ensure that farmers can continue to produce affordable and increasingly sustainable food for generations to come.

"We will be raising our concerns with Government at any opportunity we get."

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