SAOS

01/06/2026

Our Growing Tomorrow's Leaders programme is now open for applications/nominations for this year's intake (starting Oct '26).

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!

Here's NFU Scotland Chief Exec, John Davidson, on why Growing Tomorrow's Leaders and helping strengthen our industry for the future should matter to us all.

Further information on GTL, including lots of feedback from our past participants is at https://saos.coop/events-and-training/growing-tomorrows-leaders/

26/05/2026

Our Growing Tomorrow's Leaders programme is now open for applications/nominations for this year's intake (starting Oct '26).

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!

Here's one of the past participants, Emily of SAYFC Young Farmers on what she gained from the programme. Growing Tomorrow's Leaders should matter to us all, please help us spread the word!

Further information on GTL, including lots of feedback from our past participants is at https://bit.ly/3XTIf8A

NFU Scotland
tmi

12/05/2026

Great to hear from our CEO Bailey in this piece following up on the recent report by the UK Co-operative Party on the potential for agri co-ops.

“Agriculture is undoubtedly going through a pivotal time of change, and we believe that co-operation has never been more important. Over half of Scottish farmers and crofters are active in farmer co-ops, and these co-ops are well placed to help support and deliver the change that is needed.

“Despite their scale and footprint, agricultural co-ops have generally been excluded from any form of rural support, despite their pivotal place in the sector. In addition to our everyday work promoting and supporting the development of co-operatives, we have spent considerable time and effort in the last year highlighting to the Scottish and the UK governments the power and potential of co-operatives as a solution to many of today’s challenges, and indeed those of the future.”

https://www.thenews.coop/farm-co-ops-can-boost-uks-food-security-says-report/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRvzKZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETA5THV6ZG1RazRSZG1rN0ptc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiaN4k_2BMHkA7lOEjimLhIzc4wF_SSNJ4ocDWDdjgzm144L1hO4-EQFMh1W_aem_I8yDftS-B0APrmi0KA2bjQ

National food security is a growing concern – which could be helped through the development of farm co-ops, a report argues

05/05/2026

We've had a few recent updates to the current SOURCING FOR GROWTH buyers and suppliers lists.

A key element of our Scotland Food & Drink Partnership work on import substitution, Sourcing for Growth is a matching service putting food and drink businesses together with processors and manufacturers looking to source Scottish products.

✔️ More local sourcing can enhance our food security and resilience as well as providing new market and partnership opportunities for businesses.

✔️Reducing reliance on imported goods and increasing the sourcing of locally-produced food can help mitigate risk by reducing exposure to international market fluctuations.

✔️Shortening supply chains lowers environmental impact and carbon footprint through reduced transportation needs.

✔️Building robust local networks also leverages the appeal of Scottish-sourced and Scottish-branded products.

Working with you, and using our expert networks, media and data sources we'll:

✅ Identify potential suppliers, buyers and service providers
✅ Facilitate and introduce potential supply chain partners
✅ Explore joint working and collaborative opportunities
✅ Provide a personalised approach with confidentiality at its core
✅ Keep you fully informed throughout the process.

Check out what's available and find out more at: https://bit.ly/4ewb1Tq

30/04/2026

We've been busy updating the Supply Chain insights maps and Key Facts and Figures docs again (we do this twice a year).

The maps offer a unique overview of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for each sector (we produce more than 20 of them - and have summary docs for each one!) They've been widely acknowledged as providing an invaluable starting point for discussion for each sector's supply chain partners.

With SAOS's expertise, and the collective will of stakeholders, we're to tackle some of the sectoral issues identified, developing , practical hashtag and helping to mitigate and build .

We have another couple of examples and the full list of maps available at: https://saos.coop/what-we-do/supply-chain-development/supply-chain-insights-sector-supply-chain-maps/

Get in touch to find out more about different sectors.

29/04/2026

Happy Stock, Happy Farm Roadshow

During May the Dairy Chain and SRUC are hosting events in Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire and Cumbria showcasing their work in cow welfare.

Using technology and observations across farms in the region has helped the team understand more about animal welfare in an automated way, allowing a better understanding of herd health and dynamics. Information on the behaviour and welfare of a farmer’s herd will help them to make better informed management decisions for their cows. Cows with improved welfare tend to have improved health, saving on costs associated with disease and injury, as well as supporting higher milk production, making a farm more financially resilient.

The events will be in a walk and talk format, and you will hear about:

• Our cow welfare, Happy Cows, research
• Our calf shed project and how improving the environment can improve calf health
• Cow preference for bedding types and its impact
• Our heat stress research project and ways to improve shed ventilation and its importance
Lunch will be provided.
• Tues 5th May: 10.30am – 1.30pm – Park House Farm, Easton, Cumbria CA6 5RS
• Fri 15th May: 10.30am – 1.30pm – Inchparks Stranraer, DG9 8QN
• Thurs 7th May: 10.30am – 1.30pm High Garphar Farm, Straiton, Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 7QT

Sign up: https://www.digitaldairychain.co.uk/events/ or email [email protected]

Digital Dairy Chain Our Events This is our events section, where you’ll find all our latest and upcoming activities. Read on to discover what’s happening and how you can get involved. ; Happy Stock, Happy Farm Walk-and-Talk – Cumbria Location: Park House Farm, Longtown Date: 5th May 2026 Durin...

16/04/2026

Will you be in next year's GTL Graduation pic?

We're now open for applications for the Growing Tomorrow's Leaders 2026-27 cohort!

The GTL programme is aimed at those already playing a key role and is ideal preparation for taking on greater responsibility in operations, governance and strategic leadership.

The programme gives participants the opportunity and space to explore new ways of thinking and doing, understand more about leadership and develop their own toolkit and style.

There's also has the added bonus of creating and expanding your networks across different rural sectors and developing greater understanding about shared challenges.

Find out more at: https://saos.coop/whats-new/news/call-for-applications-for-growing-tomorrows-leaders-2026-programme!

Congratulations again to our recent graduates!

Growers Ltd
Farming
-Angus Cattle Society

Young Farmers
Growers Ltd
Scotland Ltd
Farming Ltd
of Scotland Growers
James Hutton Institute
HH Brown
Valley
Leadership Factory

09/04/2026

In our latest 'How We Think' piece from Mikaela Lindén, she suggest that, with the past few years having been so greatly defined by instability, and now with the events in the Middle East, buying and sourcing 'closer to home' has gone from providing a feeling of comfort, to absolute necessity.

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 - to shape the future, today.

07/04/2026

A wee blast from the past here. A good reminder though of how for our farmer co-op members https://youtu.be/gUJF_ls1xQU?si=TuJqyqN1zU0RmdPE

02/04/2026

Another new role from our sister org, Food Integrity Assurance!

This is a six month contract for a Member Support & Certification Assistant

As part of FIA's ongoing development of services, they're seeking an enthusiastic and quality-driven individual to support scheme members and the certification team through this newly-created role.

You will play a key role in helping FIA deliver assessment and certification services on behalf of Quality Meat Scotland, Scottish Quality Crops (SQC), SCOTTISH QUALITY WILD VENISON LIMITED, Wildlife Estates Scotland, and other leading schemes. Every year, FIA supports over 13,500 agricultural businesses across Scotland, helping them maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety, and sustainability.

As Member Support & Certification Assistant you'll be at the forefront of helping FIA members navigate new systems to ensure a smooth experience. You’ll also support the certification team, gaining insight into key business processes.

Key Responsibilities:
• Assist members with queries and guide them through new technologies
• Support the rollout and adoption of new systems
• Provide administrative support to the certification team
• Maintain high standards of service and communication

Kickstart your career with FIA - find out more at: https://foodintegrityassurance.co.uk/about-us/