In 2025, the UK’s agricultural sector faces both promising opportunities and serious challenges. On the one hand, recent government reforms aimed at improving profitability, increasing food production, and promoting sustainability offer exciting opportunities for growth. Yet, these positive steps forward are in stark contrast to the proposed inheritance tax reforms, which risk undermining family-owned farms and discouraging the next generation from pursuing careers in agriculture.
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we believe that while profitability and growth are vital, protecting family farms must be part of the conversation. The imposition of a 20% inheritance tax levy on agricultural land above certain thresholds—expected to take effect in 2026—threatens to disrupt farm succession planning and force some families to sell off parts of their land to meet tax obligations. This policy could have serious consequences for recruitment, driving young people away from the sector and further exacerbating the labour shortage in British farming.
Despite these challenges, the sector has the resilience and adaptability to thrive—provided it has access to the right people and skills. Here’s how the recent growth-focused reforms can help, and how Agricultural Recruitment Specialists are ready to support employers in building future-ready teams.
Key Reforms at a Glance
The government’s recent announcements focus on supporting British agriculture with practical measures aimed at strengthening the sector:
Public Sector Food Procurement – Public sector organisations, such as schools and hospitals, are being encouraged to source British produce wherever possible, creating a significant opportunity for local farmers.
Planning Reforms for Agricultural Expansion – New planning regulations will make it easier for farms to expand operations and invest in modern, sustainable infrastructure.
Increased Funding for Agri-Tech and Innovation – Investment in precision farming and automation aims to drive efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and modernise farming practices.
These initiatives are designed to boost productivity and profitability. However, with rapid growth comes the challenge of finding the skilled talent necessary to implement these changes.
How We Support Employers Through Change
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we are already working closely with clients to address the recruitment challenges posed by these reforms. With decades of experience in agricultural recruitment, we understand how vital it is to have the right people in place to support growth, innovation, and sustainability.
1. Sourcing Agri-Tech and Sustainability Specialists
The rise of precision farming and sustainability initiatives has created a growing demand for professionals with expertise in agri-tech, environmental management, and regenerative agriculture. We actively source candidates with the skills to meet these emerging needs and help farms adapt to new technologies.
2. Flexible Staffing Solutions for Growth
The government’s push for British-grown produce in public sector contracts means that many farms will need to increase production rapidly. Our flexible staffing solutions help clients manage seasonal spikes while ensuring long-term stability. Whether you need experienced farmworkers for the busy harvest season or a permanent operations manager, we can help.
3. Future-Proofing Your Workforce
With the sector evolving quickly, building a resilient and adaptable team is more important than ever. We work with employers to create recruitment strategies that align with their business goals, ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges ahead.
The Inheritance Tax Debate: A Threat to the Next Generation
While growth-focused reforms offer a positive path forward, the proposed inheritance tax changes represent a real threat to the future of family farming. For generations, these family farms have been the backbone of British agriculture. The new tax would place a 20% levy on agricultural land over certain thresholds, potentially forcing families to sell parts of their business to meet tax liabilities.
The knock-on effect for recruitment is clear. Younger generations may be discouraged from entering the industry due to financial instability and uncertainty around succession planning. At a time when the sector needs fresh talent and innovation, these reforms risk deepening the labour shortage and hindering the sector’s progress.
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we stand with our clients in calling for more balanced policies that protect family farms while promoting growth and innovation.
Why Recruitment Matters More Than Ever
The agricultural sector is evolving rapidly, with new roles emerging in technology, logistics, and sustainability. As these changes unfold, recruitment will play a crucial role in ensuring British farming remains competitive.
Our role at Agricultural Recruitment Specialists is to help businesses not only find the right talent but also future-proof their operations. We specialise in connecting employers with candidates who have the expertise, adaptability, and passion needed to thrive in this changing landscape.
Looking Ahead
While the challenges are real, so too are the opportunities for growth and innovation. By staying ahead of these changes and focusing on building resilient, skilled teams, businesses can secure their future in this new era of farming.
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we are proud to be part of this journey. Whether you’re looking for agri-tech experts, farm managers, or sustainability specialists, we’re here to help you find the right people to drive your business forward.
Let’s build the future of British farming together. Contact our team today to discuss how we can support your recruitment needs.
