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
Our supply chain work focuses on the three elements of sustainability - economic, environmental and social.
These are just a couple of examples of projects we're currently involved with that look at increasing sustainability.
The EU Mixed Farming Project
MIXED is a project funded by the EU Horizon2020 programme to explore the benefits of mixed farming and agroforestry systems (MiFAS) to climate, environment and society in general and support the further development of such systems. MIXED explores different types of MIFAS and their potential for both efficiency and resilience at the same time as well as to provide eco-system services for the benefit of society and the environment.
Networks of organic and conventional farmers are the backbone of the project, sharing knowledge and experience that others can benefit from. Read more at The EU Mixed Farming Project
The Scotch Whisky Association Supply Chain Technical Group
As a participant in the Scotch Whisky Association Supply Chain Technical Group, our expertise is focused on supporting the sector in adhering to the seventeen targets of Sustainable Development of the United Nations.
SAOS has a longstanding working relationship with the whisky sector across a range of projects including benchmarking sustainability activities in the farming, grain handling and storage elements of the supply chain.
Key facts and figures for the malting barley and distilling sector, as well as a more detailed and comprehensive map of the sector, are updated regularly as part of our Sector Supply Chain mapping, find out more at:
Supply Chain Insights - Sector Supply Chain Maps
If you would like to find out more about our approach, or think we can help you tackle any sustainability issues you’re currently facing, then please get in touch.
Project Manager
07467 082625 | Patricia.Rojas@saos.coop
Head of Supply Chain Development
078055 790749 | allene.bruce@saos.coop
Project Manager
07435 047593 | douglas.bowden-smith@saos.coop