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
23 March 2026
Sixteen professionals from across Scotland’s agriculture, food and drink and wider land-based industries have successfully completed the latest Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders programme. Their achievements were celebrated at a recent graduation event at Apex Dunblane Hydro Hotel.
The 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.
Tim Bailey, Chief Executive of SAOS, said: “Congratulations to all our graduates on completing the Growing Tomorrow's Leaders programme. It's been great to hear from them about how much they've valued the programme and learned about themselves and their leadership potential. Better-equipped leaders mean that organisations are stronger and our rural economy is in better shape to face the challenges of tomorrow.”
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.
John Davidson, Chief Executive of NFU Scotland, added: “Developing confident, capable people within organisations across Scotland’s agriculture, food and drink and wider land-based industries is essential if we are to respond effectively to both immediate and longer-term challenges. Programmes such as Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders provide a valuable opportunity to invest in the people who will help shape the future of our industries.”
Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Class of 2025_26:
Recruitment will open in April for the next cohort, beginning in October 2026, applicants can apply individually or through nomination by their organisation.
Further information can be found at Growing Tomorrow's Leaders
or by contacting: emma.koubayssi@saos.coop