Politicians from across the UK will travel to Brussels today to demand a fairer deal for farmers.
The extraordinary meeting of European agriculture ministers has been organised to discuss the current crisis in the industry.
Many producers, including those in the milk sector, are producing food at a loss.
Among those attending will be the Scottish Government’s Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead.
The Moray MSP and SNP minister said last night: “We have an unprecedented opportunity to put an agreed ask to retailers and food service across the country to support our farmers and get the sector back on its feet.
“Our joint aim must be to secure a thriving supply chain that is transparent and fair, across all parts of the UK. We must create a Fairer Framework for Farming.”
He has urged his European counterparts to agree steps to create a fairer supply chain, such as improving labelling so consumers know where their food has come from.
Meanwhile, UK Environment Secretary Liz Truss has announced measures to help struggling dairy farmers.
These include an industry-led review of best practice in the dairy industry, improved labelling of British dairy produce and a review of public sector food buying habits.
Today’s meeting will take place against the backdrop of a mass protest by thousands of farmers outside the parliament building.
Among those taking part in the protest will be a group from the National Farmers Union for Scotland.
Union president, Allan Bowie, said: “These are unprecedented times for Scottish farming with so many key contributors to our agricultural output – cropping, livestock and dairy – struggling in the face of low prices, extreme market volatility and challenging weather.
“But we are not alone, and these are problems faced by fellow farmers in the UK and across Europe.”