Scotland’s experts on farmer co-ops and food industry collaboration, we work with food and farming businesses to make them more profitable, competitive, and sustainable - #workingtogether to shape the future, today.
All our work helps facilitate farmers and food and drink businesses to work together effectively. Over the years we've expanded and developed subsidiary businesses - getting the right people together and making innovative advancements - to help benefit food, farming and rural Scotland.
Developing staff capability is one of the most effective ways to improve a co-op’s performance. Check out our events and training programme - most of which are open to non co-op members too.
As a development organisation, owned by our members, we provide a range of specialist services not available elsewhere, to assist them in developing their people and their businesses. Get in touch to find out how we can help you.
See below for all the latest news, views and updates from us here at SAOS. Find all our latest videos on YouTube at: SAOS - working together in food and farming
Patrick Hughes is an experienced agri-food and international trade professional with almost 30 of leadership experience across Scotland's agriculture, food, seafood, and export sectors. As Strategic Services Director at SAOS, he plays a key role in shaping strategic initiatives that support agricultural co-operatives, supply chain collaboration, market development, and innovation across rural Scotland.
Patrick joined SAOS in 2021 to establish and lead the Scottish Agri Export Hub, a collaborative initiative, to create new export opportunities for Scottish farmers and growers. Drawing on his extensive export and market development expertise, he has worked to strengthen international market access for Scottish agricultural products, helping producers diversify markets and capture greater value from global trade opportunities.
Prior to joining SAOS, Patrick held several senior industry positions, including AHDB, Seafood Scotland and senior consultancy roles within the food and drink sector. His career has encompassed export development, supply chain management, technical leadership, business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and industry development, providing him with a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing primary producers and food businesses.
Based in Aberdeen, Patrick is recognised for his ability to connect producers, industry organisations, government agencies, and international markets. His work focuses on helping businesses collaborate more effectively, develop resilient supply chains, and identify new commercial opportunities that support the long-term prosperity of Scotland's rural economy.