"We look forward to engaging with Scottish Government to underline the importance of active farming and crofting to Scotland's rural communities, food production and climate."
NFU Scotland has called on the Scottish Government to recognise the contribution of schemes which support hill and upland farm businesses.
Applications for the Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS), a £6 million fund which provides additional support on top of the Basic Payment Scheme to farmers who graze livestock on rough areas, opened on Sunday (September 1).
Now entering its ninth year, NFUS said it wanted the Scottish Government to continue the scheme and to recognise the benefits of active grazing in hills and uplands for future generations.
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Farmers and crofters have until November 30 to apply for the scheme.
So far, the Scottish Government has committed to SUSSS until at least 2026 and is engaging with the industry on its future beyond that date.
Last year, payment rates on eligible ewe hoggs were £61.38, and £61.25 in 2022, with around 1,150 farming and crofting businesses submitting applications annually.
NFU Scotland's Less Favoured Areas (LFA) Committee chair, Peter Kennedy, a hill farmer from Glendaruel in Argyllshire said: "We want to see coupled support for the sheep sector continue as this will ensure active livestock grazing, particularly in extensive systems, is encouraged and supported.
"It is well recognised that the current SUSSS scheme has real merit, and we welcome Scottish Government commitment to the scheme until at least 2026.
"That gives us scope to further improve this important support stream.
"The role of the scheme must be considered in conjunction with the expected changes to the LFA scheme, which delivers an additional £60 million per year into our disadvantaged areas.
"With 90 percent of Scotland's sheep found on LFA holdings, SUSSS and LFASS are mutually inclusive.
"Our LFA Committee continues to discuss the future of both and look forward to engaging with Scottish Government to underline the importance of active farming and crofting to Scotland's rural communities, food production and climate."
Scottish Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said it was important for farmers to receive the funding 'as soon as possible'.
"I know how important it is for sheep producers to have confidence in the support available to them be delivered on time and as expected," Mr Fairlie added.
"It is vital to being able to plan and budget for the year, so we are doing everything we possibly can to make sure the funding is in accounts as soon as possible.
"We are fortunate to have an incredible sheep farming sector that is globally renowned, with thousands of jobs dependant on well raised flocks, efficient distribution and enormous retail potential at home and abroad.
"We will continue to do all we can to provide the backing needed to protect the highest standards across the country and the communities that rely on them."
