Alex Salmond is to address international farming journalists in Aberdeenshire in the run-up to the independence referendum.
The first minister is to be the guest speaker at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists 2014 congress dinner in Banchory on September 7.
The congress, which is travelling around the country, aims to showcase British farming and food industries, farming innovation and cutting edge science and technology to 220 journalists with a potential audience of 20million.
“Securing Mr Salmond’s presence as a guest speaker at such a busy time for him reiterates how important farming and food is to Scotland,” said Jane Craigie, chairman of The British Guild of Agricultural Journalists, the congress organisers.
“When the 2014 congress was first awarded to Scotland four years ago, we had no idea that it would be held at such a pivotal moment in the country’s history.”
Mr Salmond said Scotland was famous for its “spectacular array of find food and drink products”.
“The rural sector is a crucial economic driver for Scotland and this Scottish Government has always strived to do its utmost to support the industry,” he said.
“Its importance to Scotland cannot be underestimated and, in what is a momentous year for the country as we decide on her constitutional future, I am delighted to welcome international agricultural journalists to Scotland to experience it for themselves.”