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
I have always believed in helping people learn, gain confidence and find opportunities to progress. As the Tarff Services Coordinator at Tarff Valley, this has been at the heart of my work since joining the organisation in May 2019. Since then, I have taken Tarff Services from strength to strength by expanding training opportunities, introducing new projects and creating clear career pathways within the land-based sector.
With over 20 years of experience in workplace learning, I have built my career around helping people turn knowledge into practical skills. My background includes working as a tutor, freelance trainer, assessor and internal verifier, and childcare coordinator. Throughout my career, I have seen the value of workplace learning in helping people progress in their careers and supporting local businesses.
Within Tarff Services, I manage a range of training courses, including LANTRA-approved training in telehandler operation, ATV skills and hoof trimming, alongside health and safety courses. My aim is to give individuals and local businesses access to the training and qualifications they need to work safely and effectively.
One of my proudest achievements has been creating opportunities for the next generation of agricultural workers. I coordinate Tarff Services' Pre-Apprenticeship and Modern Apprenticeship programmes, helping young people gain practical experience while working towards recognised qualifications. I also developed the Let's Get Employed in Agriculture pilot project to help young people explore careers in the industry. I continue to work with partners including Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), Skills Development Scotland and Qualifications Scotland to improve training opportunities and help more young people into employment.
I’m delighted that the work we do at Tarff Services has been recognised, with the team receiving the Best Work Ready Project award. I was also honoured to receive the Individual Champion Developing Young Workforce award at the 2024 Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Both awards mean a great deal to me and reflect the importance of creating opportunities for people to build a future in agriculture.
Looking ahead, I want to continue improving access to training and encouraging more young people to consider a career in Scottish agriculture, helping secure a strong future for the industry.