Supermarket big-hitters Tesco, Aldi and Lidl have come out in support of British farmers in the dispute over inheritance tax changes.

From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1million, which were previously exempt, will be liable to the tax at 20% - half the usual inheritance tax rate.

The move has seen large scale protests from farmers across the country, including in Aberdeen.

And now, major supermarket chains have become involved, backing up the concerns raised by farmers.

Tesco, Aldi and Lidl join Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Marks & Spencer, which had already come out in support of farmers.

The BBC reports Ashwin Prasad, Tesco's chief commercial officer, said "the UK's future food security is at stake" as he called on the government to pause the introduction of inheritance tax on farms.

He added: "After years of policy change, it has been harder than ever for them to plan ahead or to invest in their farms."

Aldi echoed this sentiment, with a spokesperson saying: "We all need a farming sector that can confidently invest in its future and continue to produce high-quality British food.

"That's why we are supporting the farming community's calls for the Government to pause the implementation of its proposed changes to inheritance tax until a further period of consultation has taken place."

A Lidl spokesperson said the supermarket is concerned the tax change will "impact farmer and grower confidence and hold back the investment needed to build a resilient, productive and sustainable British food system".

They added: "We will be raising our concerns with the government at any opportunity we get."

Sir Keir Starmer has consistently insisted the "vast majority" of farmers would not be affected by the tax changes.

More like this…

View all