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
The success of every co-op business depends on how well its directors carry out their roles
and responsibilities.
Experience shows that effective governance is the most important factor for any co-op. Our aim is to improve the effectiveness of governance and the overall performance of our members.
We have recently expanded the Governance Services we can offer, making these more widely available too. Find out more at: SAOS | What We Do - Governance Services
We produced a comprehensive governance code, especially for agricultural co-ops and their members, directors and managers. SAOS and Co-operatives UK worked jointly to produce
the publication:
View the Agricultural Governance Code
Another helpful tool for co-op directors is this booklet giving guidance on governance best practice for co-ops:
View A Director's Guide to Governance Best Practice