About us

Scotland’s experts on farmer co-ops and food industry collaboration, we provide a range of specialist information and development services to help businesses work together more effectively. #workingtogether we grow

What we do

Now more than ever, it’s vital for farmers and food and drink businesses to work together more effectively - all of SAOS’s work centres on facilitating this.

Membership

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.

What's New

Latest news, views and updates from us here at SAOS.

Governance Services

The success of every co-op business depends on how successfully 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.

A comprehensive governance code, especially for agricultural co-ops, is available for co-op members, directors and managers. SAOS and Co-operatives UK worked jointly to produce the publication.

View the Agricultural Governance Code

We have also produced a booklet giving guidance on governance best practice for directors.

View A Director's Guide to Governance Best Practice