Farming and rural organisations have begun cancelling events due to the coronavirus pandemic.
NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick has asked the union’s membership not to hold any meetings or gatherings until further notice.
“This is not an easy step to take as government guidelines are not at this level yet,” he said.
“However, this decision will allow us to take stock and behave responsibly for both our members and staff.”
He said the union was also considering whether to go ahead with a series of events on May 23 to celebrate Scottish food and farming.
“We, as a union and as individuals, have a duty of care for each other and this cannot be lost in these unusual and exceptional circumstances,” he added.
“As every sector of society puts plans in place to mitigate the impact of the disease, the farming fraternity must act responsibly when it comes to limiting the spread of this virus.”
Meanwhile, organisers of the biggest agricultural event in Scotland – the Royal Highland Show, which attracts almost 200,000 visitors over four days in June – say it is going ahead but they are monitoring the situation.
A spokeswoman for organisers the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), said: “RHASS is working alongside our partners and government agencies to look at if we can safely deliver the Royal Highland Show in 2020.
“This is a fluid and dynamic position, and decisions relating to the event will always be governed by official policy and guidance.
“We will continue to take advice from the government and public health advisers and will provide regular updates as the situation develops.”
A host of events have already been postponed including the Association of Deer Management Groups’ annual general meeting, which was due to take place in Inverness on Wednesday, and the Scottish Rural Awards.
The awards were scheduled to take place on April 2 in Glasgow.