Devon farmers stage beach rally over inheritance tax

Ms Case added: “The message we want to make loud and clear in our local village is that farmers need to be listened to.

“The changes are real and that lack of confidence in their future could be crippling for businesses.”

The prime minister previously said he understood farmers’ concerns but added “the vast majority” would be unaffected.

Government research, external found last year an average farm made a profit of about £45,300, although that figure may be overstated as it is based on a survey that excluded farms that bring in the least money.

The government says the changes will affect the wealthiest 500 estates each year, but the NFU and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) have estimated up to 70,000 farms worth more than £1m could be affected.