THE FATE of UK food and farming outside the EU will the 'litmus-test' of the Government’s Brexit negotiations – because as the single sector most heavily impacted by decision to leave, if the Government can make agriculture a success outside the CAP, it will be a clear indication that the country as a whole can succeed.

So said NFU Scotland president Allan Bowie, as an unprecedented coalition of 75 UK food organisations, brought together by the farming unions, wrote to the Prime Minister, Scotland’s First Minister, and other key ministers, to make it clear that continued tariff-free access to the European Single Market was vital to the sector's prosperity.

The coalition – including heavyweights like Arla, the 2Sisters food group, Dawn Meats, Dairy Crest, Dunbia, Sainsbury's, Lactalis, Marks and Spencer, Muller, Scotbeef and Morrisons – was at pains not to sound like aggrieved Remain supporters, stressing that they were ready to embrace "a positive, bold and ambitious vision" for the sector's future.

However, that vision could only be categorised as 'soft' Brexit, seeking both unfettered access to the Single Market and continued freedom for the EU labour-force to come here and work in food production – the latter being an idea that the 'hard' Brexit camp vociferously opposes.

The joint letter read: "The UK Government’s intention to trigger Article 50 in March 2017 presages a period of intense negotiation over what will replace current policy and legislation. We are clear that the outcome of this negotiation will have far reaching effects for our sector. But we are equally clear that a settlement that recognises the critical role of the UK food chain will demonstrate how Brexit can be beneficial, not just for our sector, but also the wider economy too.

"Those signing this letter represent the four UK farming unions and 71 leading food businesses with a collective turnover of over £92bn and employing over 925,000 people across the UK. We have a bold and ambitious vision for our industry; one where competitive, profitable and progressive farming and food businesses deliver an increasing proportion of the nation’s needs for high quality, safe, affordable food to British people, as well as expanding into new export markets.

"We know that we have the strong support of consumers who value the British and Scottish provenance as well as the daily care we take to manage the environment and safeguard the integrity of our crops, animals and production processes.

"For our sector, maintaining tariff-free access to the EU single market is a vital priority," stated the letter. "It is where 75% of our food exports go, so all our farming and food businesses wish to achieve this outcome.

"The sector needs access to EU and non-EU seasonal and permanent labour, alongside assurances that EU workers already working permanently in the UK are allowed to remain. This access to labour is essential as it underpins the UK food chain's timely delivery of high quality affordable food to consumers.

"We would urge that the UK and Scottish Governments seek both these goals as the whole of society and the economy will benefit. We recognise that the negotiations will be protracted and detailed – rightly so, the best outcome must be sought – however we would welcome an early opportunity to brief you before the discussions commence and stand ready to provide input as required."

Commenting on the letter, Mr Bowie said: “Brexit creates an enormous opportunity for farming, food production and for Britain. But to deliver this new future, we must secure the best possible access to the Single Market and continued access to a competent and reliable workforce. Getting this right will set the foundations for a successful new British agricultural policy.

“Agriculture is a litmus-test for the Government’s Brexit negotiations. As the sector most heavily impacted by the referendum outcome, if the Government can make British farming a success post-Brexit then it will be the clearest indication that the country can succeed outside Europe.”