MAKSY Marks and Spencer Group (QX)

LONDON--British food makers including grocers Marks and Spencer PLC (MKS.LN) and J Sainsbury PLC (SBRY.LN) Thursday called on the U.K. government on ensure the industry has access to both a tariff-free single market and labor in the European Union once the country exits the bloc.

In a letter addressed to the government, 75 food producers with combined sales of more than GBP92 billion ($116 billion) and employing almost a million people demanded a "bold and ambitious vision" for the sector post-Brexit.

"Brexit creates an enormous opportunity for farming, food production and for Britain," said Meurig Raymond, president of the National Farmers Union, a trade union. "Getting this right will set the foundations for a successful new British agricultural policy."

Mr. Raymond said agriculture is a "litmus test" for success of 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."

To date, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May hasn't given a clear signal as to how the government will approach the talks, planned to kick off at the end of March next year, with principles of access to the single market and free movement of labor key to negotiations. She has said it would do the country a disservice to reveal its approach before due time.

 
--Write to Simon Zekaria at simon.zekaria@wsj.com 
 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 01, 2016 06:35 ET (11:35 GMT)

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