Asda, the Co-op, Lidl, Morrisons and Tesco have publicly stated their shared concerns over the government's proposed changes to inheritance tax, and the NFU understands more major retailers are expected to follow suit.

Supermarkets have called for the government to pause and consult, after talks with the NFU.

Responding to the news, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: "Those huge food retail businesses which have come out in support of our call for the family farm tax to be paused, and to have a proper consultation, are doing so not only because they see what a terrible effect it will have on the farmers they work with, but also because they know that if it is allowed to devastate family farms it will also devastate retailers' ability to source the high-quality, sustainable food their customers want.

"On behalf of NFU members I want to thank them for their support."