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
15 July 2026
Funding towards the cost of the GTL programme is available through the Women in Agriculture Scotland Practical Training Fund, and the Small Producers Practical Training Fund - both adminstered through Lantra Scotland.
It's a great course, kicking off in September this year, and we now have the full programme schedule finalised (see below). Applications close on the 31st July - so get in touch and get on board!
Our Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders programme was established in response to increased challenges and pressures facing the rural sector. With market volatility, regulatory change, workforce pressures and succession planning all now part of the ‘day-to-day’ for those in leadership positions, developing confident, capable leaders has never been more important.
Developed and supported by SAOS, in partnership with NFU Scotland, the programme brings together mid to senior-level professionals from across the rural sector, strengthening the leadership awareness, confidence, and perspective needed by participants to guide their organisations through an increasingly complex environment.
Another key learning that’s come across time and again, is how much participants learn about other parts of the industry through the experience. The value of this shared exchange of learning and a better understanding of shared views and challenges cannot be overstated and really adds to the experience.
The programme is delivered with the help of leadership specialists Tack TMI Leadership Factory, who work with participants throughout the programme to explore leadership behaviours, decision-making and team dynamics.
Recruitment closes soon for the next cohort, beginning in September, applicants can apply individually or they can be nominated by their organisation.
Further information, including lots of great feedback from our past participants is at https://saos.coop/events-and-training/growing-tomorrows-leaders/
Or get in touch with: emma.koubayssi@saos.coop for further info/any queries.
