Agricultural sectors face policy and resource pressures in UK and Brazil

Agricultural sectors in the United Kingdom and Brazil are facing significant pressures due to policy changes and resource shortages. In the UK, farming stability is being challenged by the expiration of agricultural inheritance tax relief. As of April 2026, relief for agricultural property has been capped at £2.5 million, subjecting assets above this threshold to a 20% tax. This shift, combined with the gradual phase-out of post-Brexit subsidies, is cited as a factor forcing experienced farmers off their land.

Globally, concerns regarding fertilizer shortages and their impact on food security have been raised. While some attribute potential famine to geopolitical tensions and the closure of the Hormuz Strait, others argue that the current food system is overly reliant on corporate-driven, chemically intensive models. For instance, while urea shortages are often linked to threats against soybean crops in Brazil, the impact may vary depending on the specific nitrogen-fixing capabilities of the crops involved.