The Labour government's tax changes, particularly inheritance tax, sparked major farmer protests in 2024, including tractor demonstrations at Westminster. Relations between the government and farming community became severely strained, with farmers warning the tax would force farm closures. Andy Burnham is now attempting to repair this relationship through direct engagement with farmer activists, signalling the government acknowledges it must "build back trust" and recognises the importance of UK food security.

A record 6,300 farming businesses closed last year, with some attributing this to the tax changes despite weather and inflation also playing roles. Burnham's outreach appears to be yielding results, with no planned farmer protests at the upcoming budget and the government reportedly considering an inheritance tax U-turn or alternative support measures. Rural Labour MPs suggest new farming investment or support for British food procurement might be more effective, whilst the government's farming subsidy replacement scheme has been problematic, depleting its £253 million annual budget in just six hours.