Fourteen leading farming organisations in the UK have written to the government urging continued membership of the customs union after Brexit.
In a joint statement they said it was vital to ensure a 'transition period' through which the UK retains unfettered access to European markets.
"Such arrangements must be in place for the full duration of negotiations and implementation of a Free Trade Agreement between the UK and the EU that could extend beyond the end of Article 50 process," said the letter which was signed by the CLA, NFU, National Sheep Association, National Pig Association and others.
"We call on Government, to ensure that UK law, including the role and remit of the Grocery Code Adjudicator, is fit for purpose ready for life outside of the European Union."
The organisations said that the government must put in place a 'fully functioning immigration system' before the end of freedom of movement, that ensures farmers have access to the workers that are vital to supporting the industry.
New trade opportunities
The 14 organisations say governments across the UK need to work together with the farmers and land managers to prepare for a new long-standing free trade agreement which retains and grows opportunities for food trade with the EU and the rest of the world.
They also call for commitments on transition that will see the UK remain in the Customs Union until a full free trade agreement is in place with the EU.
Deputy President Tim Breitmeyer said: "Farmers and land managers will benefit from new opportunities in trade and agricultural policy.
"However, we must take the necessary time to put in place the right trade agreements and to develop and robustly test a new policy that will support farming and the environment for the long-term.
"We need a period of certainty in which this work can be done and we will continue to work with fellow farming organisations to achieve this."
