FARMING’S fate outside the European Union (EU) will be the 'litmus-test' of the Government’s Brexit negotiations – because if the sector most affected by the decision to leave can get the right deal, it will raise hopes that the country as a whole can succeed.

So said NFU Scotland president Allan Bowie, as a weighty coalition of 75 UK food and farming organisations wrote to the Prime Minister, Scotland’s First Minister, and other key ministers, to call for continued tariff-free access to the European Single Market.

The signatories were at pains not to sound like a collection of 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 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 £92 billion 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.

"For our sector, maintaining tariff-free access to the EU single market is a vital priority," stated the letter. "It is where 75 per cent 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.

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.”

For in-depth news and views on Scottish agriculture, see this Friday’s issue of The Scottish Farmer or visit www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk