As an arable farmer, Olly Harrison’s WhatsApp messages are normally focused on the practical aspects of farming: logistics, supplies, and the occasional chat about the weather. So when a message came through from Andy Burnham, the Labour Party leader and then-candidate in the Makerfield byelection, it was unexpected. Burnham’s personal message was more than a typical campaign gesture, Harrison said. It signaled a shift in how politicians were engaging with farmers. “He’s trying to meet farmers, he wants to meet up,” Harrison said, noting that under the leadership of Keir Starmer, farmers had faced new taxes, including a controversial inheritance tax. Harrison described the communication between the government and agricultural workers as nonexistent. Burnham, however, has been reaching out, telling farmers in a summer visit that the government had a “long way to go to build back trust” and that the UK needed to “guarantee our own food production.” Harrison was among a group of activist farmers who protested against the 2024 budget. Their demonstrations, which included high-profile figures like Jeremy Clarkson, involved driving tractors to Westminster to protest the new taxes. The group argued that the taxes would lead to the closure of farms, as the tax burden would exceed revenue. Since then, the group has remained a challenge for the government, often disrupting events by beeping their horns to drown out speakers like former environment secretary Steve Reed. Burnham’s team, however, appears to be working to mend these relationships. Their efforts may be paying off, as there are no plans for a protest at this year’s budget. Last year, a record 6,300 forestry, fishing, and farming businesses closed, according to the Office for National Statistics. While some attribute this to the tax changes, extreme weather and rising inflation have also played a role. Former Labour cabinet minister Lord Blunkett recently noted that Labour has won more rural seats than ever before, and rural voices need to be heard more clearly. Burnham seems to be trying to do just that. The Mail on Sunday reported that a reversal on the inheritance tax is being considered for the next budget. Government sources have confirmed this is a possibility, and ministers are exploring incentives for farmers, which could include reduced inheritance tax or additional funding for environmentally friendly farming. A rural Labour MP suggested that new funding for farming and progress in sourcing public food from British producers could be more impactful than reversing the tax again. The new farming budget, which replaced EU subsidies, has been criticized for its inefficiency. Earlier this week, thousands of farmers found themselves without the expected financial support, as the government’s £253 million annual budget was exhausted in just six hours. “I have had some very upset emails from farmers,” the MP said, noting that the current system excludes those who cannot afford a land agent to receive the funding. They added that Starmer’s government had sidelined rural MPs who questioned the inheritance tax decision. “Under Keir it wasn’t just farmers who felt shut out, it was rural MPs too. There has been a step-change since Andy came in with the relationship with backbenchers.” New environment secretary Angela Eagle, appointed by Burnham, has been visiting farms to build connections with farmers. Martin Williams, one of Harrison’s fellow activists, farms arable crops near the River Wye in Herefordshire. Eagle recently visited him, and Williams noted the impact of direct communication: “It is surprising what you can achieve if people actually speak to each other.” He added that Burnham is a strategic politician, aware that he cannot afford to alienate a key group of voters. Harrison also had a visit from Eagle, who brought policy advisers and expressed a genuine interest in farmers’ perspectives. “When Angela turned up it was just like I knew her,” Harrison said, noting that Eagle’s proximity to his constituency made the conversation more approachable. Despite Burnham’s efforts, the government may still face challenges in winning back the farming vote. A recent poll by the Country Land and Business Association found that 0% of farmers would vote for Labour again. Harrison acknowledged the skepticism: “I’ve had a few comments saying don’t trust them, they haven’t got a vote left in the countryside, that is totally understandable.” Some farmers remain angry. Meanwhile, Jeremy Clarkson, who recently filmed an episode of his popular show Clarkson’s Farm with former Prime Minister David Cameron, criticized the inheritance tax on farm assets as “stupid.” When asked if Burnham would be banned from his Cotswolds pub like Starmer, Clarkson declined to comment.