FARMERS from Fermanagh and further afield have had their say on the impact of inheritance tax changes at a recent public rally.

The event was organised by The Impartial Reporter and The Farmers' Voice, the paper's new farming section, and held at Enniskillen Farmers' Mart.

Speaking after the event, Enniskillen beef farmer Mark Fowsett said farmers must be united to ensure the policy is scrapped.

"I am totally against it, as so many farmers here in Fermanagh will be easily over the inheritance tax threshold," he said.

"However, the battle won't be won here; the battle will be won in England at Downing Street.

"It will be up to the United Kingdom farmers to do that, and here we must show our support; this is the way forward for all the farmers.

"The changes will have an impact on us all, and it will leave it very difficult for farmers to pass farms on.

"The policy has to be scrapped, without a doubt."

Enniskillen dairy farmer Jason Kerr had the same opinion. He felt that new laws on inheritance tax laws may discourage young farmers.

"It's just going to create a situation where young farmers won't want to farm," he said.

"With all that's going on in farming right now, an outsider looking in would think you are mad to farm; but it's a way of life."

Mr. Kerr continued: "In the past five years we have been working to improve the farm and have updated a parlour, and we are trying to get a shed up to modify handling facilities.

"But with high costs, regulations and planning laws, it's getting harder and harder to improve and expand.

"For me, this [inheritance tax changes] won't make me rethink farming, but it will have to be a sit-down with my father and see what our options are, going forward."

Others travelled a considerable distance to attend the rally in Enniskillen. Ballymoney farmer, Cathal McCauley, felt it was important to show support against laws that will impact his future.

"This is going to have an impact on our family farm, without a doubt," he said. "It does, in a way, make me doubt a future in farming.

"I am already working part-time in farming and have a full-time job with my dad at home; it's hard to see that changing.

"I would call on the Government to reverse this, without a doubt; but I don't think they will see sense."

Meanwhile, Robert Hayes, from County Antrim, said: "My opinion is much the same; these rules will have a big impact on young farmers like myself.

"We need to keep the pressure on and show our opposition in any way we can.

"That's why we felt it was important to come down here and show our support for this event."

Garrison beef farmer David Carson said there is a "bad feeling" amongst farmers following the announcement that inheritance tax laws are being changed.

Mr. Carson farms with his two sons, Darren and Adrian.

"There's a definite bad feeling amongst farmers," he said. "It's no surprise that farmers are united, as these rules aren't fair at all.

"I am very much against this tax. It will make succession that bit more awkward.

"We have to keep the pressure on this government to reverse this."