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
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.
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.
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Co-ops are found in all sectors - from high street retailers to community-owned pubs; fan-owned football clubs to farmer-controlled businesses - which is where we come in. SAOS works with agricultural and rural co-ops.
SAOS itself is a co-op, owned by our member co-op businesses across Scotland. We’ve set up and worked with Scotland’s farming and rural co-ops since 1905.
Agricultural co-ops help farmers strengthen their position in competitive and global markets. Sharing ownership creates greater engagement, interest and concern for the long term interests of the business. Pooling their resources gives agri co-op members a wide range of benefits. Co-op members share equal voting rights regardless of the amount of capital they put in.
All co-ops operate to, and are bound by, a set of rules (you can read SAOS's Rules here)
At the core of every co-op, are a set of shared co-op principles.
Find out more in our Co-op FAQs