Farmers are planning a coordinated series of blockades on major supermarkets in protests against the government’s plans to change inheritance tax rules according to the Telegraph.

Under plans devised by radical elements of campaign groups, tractors could be used to block entrances to distribution hubs, causing chaos across the UK and leaving supermarket shelves empty.

According to sources, the action could increase incrementally if their demands are ignored and could ultimately result in a “complete shutdown.”

The response to Rachel Reeves announcement in October’s budget that she planned to scrap farmers exemption from paying the tax was met with fury, with thousands descending on Westminster the following month to protest.

The measure could see farmers liable to pay 20 per cent inheritance tax on assets worth more than £1 million in her first Budget.

A blockade of supermarket distribution centres however would mark a significant escalation in the face off between the industry and the government.

A source with knowledge of the plans told the Telegraph: “The first time will be for a short period to show it can be done. Then a 12 or 24-hour shutdown, and ultimately if it gets that far, a complete shutdown until the Government come to the table.

“It could ultimately shut down the economy, no food means serious chaos. The Government have picked a fight with the wrong sector!”

Distribution centres are crucial to the operation of UK supermarkets, with 2 billion cases moving through Tesco’s each year.

Cllr Tim Taylor, leader of Pro Farmers United, has warned that any future action taken by farmers must be careful not to damage the support and good will of the general public.

He said: “We have to keep it in the public eye. Labour won’t cave but if that pressure is on and on and we have the public support, then keep your eye on the county council elections in May.

“They are not going to do anything regardless of how we step up but now they are learning the hard way, we are not going to be messed about with.”

Jeremy Clarkson, one of the most high-profile farmers to have attended November’s Westminster protest said he did not believe that farmers would take action as far as blockades but government ministers have begun preparing for that eventuality just in case.

Following the protests, Lousie Haigh then the Transport Secretary said that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs were planning for any action taken to disrupt supermarkets.

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A government source added: “As any responsible government would, we would rightly prepare for a range of scenarios to ensure that consumers are not affected.”

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium told the Telegraph: “Retailers are closely monitoring the impact of the potential interventions, including strikes, but are adept at dealing with disruption and are working hard to ensure customers aren’t impacted.”

The government has thus far refused to back down from their plans to impose the tax on farmers, despite the large number of family farms who have signalled it could spell the end for farming as we know it.

A Government spokesman said: “Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast – we have committed £5 billion to the farming budget over two years, including more money than ever for sustainable food production, and we are developing a 25-year farming roadmap, focusing on how to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come

“Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will impact around 500 estates a year. For these estates, inheritance tax will be at half the rate paid by others, with 10 years to pay the liability back interest free. This is a fair and balanced approach which fixes the public services we all rely on.”