Nicola Sturgeon's government has again asked for an extension to the deadline of paying EU subsidies to Scottish farmers.
She is expected to address farm leaders after it emerged that her government could face up to £60 million in fines for late payments.
The hefty fines are surrounding the legacy of an IT programme set up to deliver financial support to rural businesses
Audit Scotland said it still presents significant risks and costs for the Scottish government.
However, the European Commission has granted the Scottish government wishes for an extended deadline, which has moved from next week until 15 October.
'Outstanding for 18 months'
Speaking from the Highland Show, farming union NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick said thousands of farmers in Scotland are still waiting on part or all of their payments.
"Some of these have been outstanding for 18 months. That is wholly unacceptable," he said.
"Those farmers and crofters attending Day One of Scotland’s premier agricultural event at the Highland Show, are keen to do business, but are having to hold back on making business decisions and investment because of outstanding payments. They deserve transparency and clarity."
Ms Sturgeon was last night accused of attempting to cover up the appeal, which was made on Tuesday, to extend the payment deadline until October 15.
The First Minister has, however, said she will endeavour to make the payments on time.
"We are working hard to meet that deadline and we will continue to do so each and every day until that deadline."
'Culture of secrecy'
Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Conservative leader, accused her of breaking a promise to fix the payment system.
She said Ms Sturgeon was overseeing a 'culture of secrecy and denial.'
"We now learn that the SNP has once again failed to deliver on time for Scotland's rural economy - risking another huge fine and further delays for hard-pressed farmers and crofters," Miss Davidson said.
"Instead of confronting this issue when I raised it with her today, the first minister tried to duck it.
"This week, the SNP government has been lambasted for its lack of transparency. This sorry episode only confirms that the culture of secrecy and denial in the SNP government goes right to the top."
