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In agriculture, a key cornerstone of successful businesses is that of cooperation. Agricultural cooperation can come in the form of organisations where farmers pool their resources to achieve common goals, such as improving production, marketing, or purchasing inputs like fertiliser, feeds etc.

These are often cooperatives like the machinery rings present throughout Scotland and are typically owned and controlled by their members, who are usually farmers. There is a framework of support for agriculture cooperatives in Scotland, which has helped to build a network of new and established farmer cooperatives with around 25,000 members. Scottish Agriculture Organisation Society (SAOS) is the representative body in Scotland offering a range of events and training activity to support and develop Scottish farmer cooperation. SAOS’s cooperation FAQ has more information on working together for mutual benefit, including contact information: SAOS | What We Do - Co-operation’

Well supported cooperatives can play a vital role in strengthening market power, promoting agricultural development, and providing access to essential resources for farmers.