Sarah Dyke MP has taken a stand for Somerset's small family farms by tabling an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament, shining a light on their vital role in the UK's rural economy. Backed by her Liberal Democrat colleagues, Ms Dyke's motion underscores the importance of these farms in food production, environmental sustainability, and rural employment.

Somerset's family farms contribute an estimated £500 million annually to the UK's food supply and employ over 10,000 people. However, proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) have sparked concerns about the financial strain these changes could impose, particularly on smaller farms in the South West.

Ms Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome, warned that the average farm size in the region—just 69 hectares—makes these family-run businesses especially vulnerable. The proposed tax changes could force families to sell off land to cover tax bills, jeopardising generational farming traditions and potentially impacting the nation's food security.

"Family farms are the backbone of Somerset's rural economy and culture," Ms Dyke said. "These proposed changes could devastate small farms, putting food production, rural jobs, and our environment at risk. With the support of my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I'm calling on the Government to urgently review these plans to safeguard the future of British farming."

The EDM also highlights the cultural and economic significance of family farms, particularly during the festive season. Somerset's farmers play a key role in providing locally sourced food and drink for Christmas dinners across the UK, a contribution Ms Dyke hopes will encourage shoppers to buy local.

"Supporting British farming by choosing locally grown produce is a simple way we can all help reconnect with our food and the people who produce it," she said.

Ms Dyke has pledged to continue advocating for Somerset's farmers, emphasising the need for policies that support their long-term success. Her motion calls on the Government to reconsider the proposed changes and ensure that small farms can thrive for generations to come.

The motion has received widespread support from within the Liberal Democrats and beyond, marking another chapter in the fight to protect Somerset's agricultural heritage.

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