East Anglia farmers fight for better future of British farming
8th May 2025
Farmers from around East Anglia said they will not stop fighting for the better future of British farming and will continue educating the public about their work that assures food security for the nation.
11th December 2024 marked one of the most significant days for farmers from across East Anglia as they took part in the tractor protest on the A14 near the Port of Felixstowe.
The participants showed their frustration with recent policies, calling on the government to come up with a “fair solution” for this hard-working industry.
Harry Suckling is a 23-year-old fifth-generation farmer from Holbrook, said: “That day was the cementing of what has now become the East Anglian Farmers Unite group, and we’re working for your future.”
READ MORE: GALLERY: Over 50 tractors attend ‘go-slow’ protest in Suffolk
Engaged with the public
Since then, farm owners, farm workers, and their families from across the region have been organising and taking part in activities and events designed to engage with the public and gather media attention regarding the upcoming government policies that threaten the future of the family farms.
Mr Suckling added: “As a fifth-generation farmer, I have been involved with each and every event that’s gone on. We have talked to the public outside supermarkets on a coordinated Day of Unity with several other groups across Suffolk all at once.
“We also held another ‘go slow’ protest, we hosted a meeting of farmers with our MPs, and we have been to processions in London.”
East Anglia Farmers Unite will be once again engaging with the public during the Suffolk Show that is set to take place at the end of May.
Mr Suckling continued: “With thanks to the Suffolk Agricultural Association, we have been given a stand at our county show to engage with the passing public and try to educate them on the challenges our industry is facing presently.
“We have a team of almost 20 volunteers who will be setting up the stand and manning it over the two show days.”
READ MORE: Suffolk: ‘We stay united’ – over 100 tractors are taking part in farmers’ rally
Clear message
The farmer added that the East Anglia farmers will be emphasising their message “as visually as possible”.
“We’ve had banners and signage made up by Coastline Graphics, Thurlow Nunn Standen are providing a 100hp tractor to contrast against a Massey 1200, and we’ll be highlighting the cost of it new in 1979 as opposed to the new tractor’s value today.
“Another visual attraction will be a fully stocked shop shelf of vegetables and fresh produce, and then an empty shelf in contrast to highlight the government risking your food security.”
Mr Suckling said that the farmers are hoping to spark interest with those attending the show who may not know the issues British farmers are currently facing.
He concluded: “Let’s face it, when someone makes an uninformed comment asking us to ‘pay our taxes’, it’s only down to not knowing the facts about our farms’ profitability and our situations.
“The main point we are pushing is encouraging farmers to write to their local MPs, regardless of which party they are, to see what their views are on IHT, the withdrawal of SFI, and the other issues that your business is facing.
“Invite them to spend a day on the farm; tell them the impact it’ll have on your family and the business. If it doesn’t affect you, I’m sure it affects your neighbours or friends.”
READ MORE: Suffolk farmers engage with shoppers at Tesco to talk about food security
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