A group of leading farmers and members of the Rural Better Together campaign group are to spell out their case for the union in Stirling today.
The gathering is made up of six former NFUS presidents, nine former vice-presidents and a former chairman of Quality Meat Scotland.
A member of the group, former National Farmers Union Scotland President Ian Grant, has specifically criticised the Scottish Government over a lack of clarity on what currency would be used in the event of independence.
It comes after four former NFU Scotland presidents declared their support for independence last week, a move described by the Scottish Conservatives as a “publicity stunt”.
The announcement in Stirling has been welcomed by the Scottish Conservatives.
Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East said:
“I very much welcome this impressive show of support for the No-thanks campaign.
“While four former Presidents declared for separation last week, this robust show of confidence in the Union by 16 of the most influential figures in Scottish Agriculture in recent times, puts last week’s publicity stunt in its true context.
“By a margin of four to one, these rural leaders have made it very clear that, in their experienced judgement, Scottish agriculture is best served within the UK, both now and in the future.
“Some 80 per cent of our agricultural output is exported to the rest of the UK.
“Why anyone would want to put any barrier, physical or otherwise, to that continuing trade baffles me just as it clearly baffles the 16 eminent leaders who have spoken out today.”