Has the government missed another opportunity to support British farming?

In this special edition of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine Chancellor John Healey’s Autumn Budget and ask what it really means for farmers, food production and the wider rural economy.

The Chancellor extended the fuel duty cut on red diesel, temporarily suspended tariffs on fertiliser and heating oil, and announced business rates relief that could benefit farm shops.

But with farm profitability under severe pressure, inheritance tax reforms unchanged and food production costs continuing to rise, industry leaders say the Budget offers little encouragement.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw warns that farmers feel abandoned by a government that repeatedly promises to make food security a national priority.

Country Land and Business Association president Gavin Lane says the Budget represents a missed opportunity to stimulate rural economic growth,

Meanwhile, agricultural accountant Sam Kirkham, partner and head of farms at Albert Goodman, urges farming businesses to keep a close watch on cash flow.

We also examine changes to biodiversity net gain, the outlook for food price inflation and the political calculations behind what some describe as a surprisingly benign Budget.

Could the Chancellor’s cautious approach even signal an early general election?

Hosted by Johann Tasker, with Hugh Broom and Louise Impey.

Guest speakers
Tom Bradshaw – President, National Farmers’ Union (NFU)
Gavin Lane – President, Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
Sam Kirkham – Partner and Head of Farms and Estates, Albert Goodman

Chapters
00:00 – Autumn Budget: What does it mean for farmers?
01:17 – Sam Kirkham: A Budget that fails to encourage investment
02:41 – Tom Bradshaw: Farmers feel abandoned
05:17 – Gavin Lane: A missed opportunity for rural growth
06:55 – Inheritance tax: Has the government closed the door?
09:41 – Food inflation and the cost of production
10:26 – Red diesel and fertiliser: Will tax relief make a difference?
12:01 – Rural energy costs: Who benefits from the Budget?
13:45 – Business rates: Welcome relief for farm diversification
15:31 – Biodiversity net gain: Has the market been undermined?
18:16 – Farm profitability and the future of food security
22:18 – What does the government want from the countryside?
24:05 – Practical advice: What should farmers do now?
25:54 – Hugh Broom and Louise Impey deliver their verdict
29:15 – Could a cautious Budget signal an early election?
31:12 – Can the government deliver growth while ignoring farming?
33:40 – Final verdict: A missed opportunity for agriculture

Useful links

- HM Treasury – Autumn 2026 Budgets Documents
- Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)
- National Farmers’ Union (NFU)
- Country Land and Business Association (CLA)
- Albert Goodman – Accountants and Business Advisers
- Farmers Weekly – Latest farming news and analysis

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.

To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/

Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/

Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/

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