By Gary Ford, head of strategy and producer engagement, British Free Range Producers Association
The government’s recent partial u turn on inheritance tax (IHT) was a victory for the modern day “pen and sword” approach. The sword was provided by the farmers who devotedly and selflessly took part in the various tractor rallies and marches, beginning so effectively with the Westminster Rally in November 2024. The “pen” was carried by the small army of advisers and lobbyists – the so-called “pen pushers” – who produced well-reasoned, coherent and compelling arguments explaining why the government needed to change its corrosive and divisive policy. The same group also organised meetings with ministers, MPs and other opinion-formers and decision-makers.
Without these two groups working collaboratively, the policy might well have remained unchanged. The pen amplified the voices of those attending the rallies while the sword demonstrated to decision-makers that the advisers and lobbyists had the support of, and importantly represented, the farming community.
As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new, collaboration should be a guiding principle for us all. It makes us a stronger force when engaging with government and other stakeholders over policy changes and new rules that threaten to damage and disrupt a thriving poultry sector. It also gives us collective strength and, as individuals, the satisfaction of a job well done when success is achieved.
The sword cannot succeed alone in bringing about change nor can the pen. We have to work collaboratively together and be prepared to walk in each other’s footsteps. Attending rallies is not for everyone, and meeting MPs can feel uncomfortable, but we do it for the benefit of tomorrow’s generation and to secure a thriving, viable agricultural sector today.