Together is way to go says SAOS

The agricultural sector is encouraged to collaborate more closely to meet the challenges of the future and to grasp opportunities, says the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society.

Launching its manifesto for the industry, SAOS, the umbrella group of agricultural co-operatives organisations,says helping farmers work together can play an increasingly important role.

The organisation’s chairman Mark Clark pointed out that climate change is one area where the impact of individuals is limited - but with shared knowledge and action the effects could quickly become beneficial.

“We know that co-operation and working together effectively in whatever form are more vital than ever to achieve the opportunities available,” he said.

“The manifesto highlights our belief that Scottish agriculture must be better supported to reap the benefits of the numerous advances in agri tech and data.

“We believe that there is an opportunity for Scottish agriculture to work together, such as was done with SAOS on the development of ScotEID, to benefit from developing, using and retaining ownership of its own data.”

Tim Bailey, SAOS chief executive, added that levelling the playing field between ‘the haves and have-nots’ in terms of high-speed broadband was also vital for any type of business in Scotland.

“There is money available to roll this out, but the current system isn’t working. We propose that the farming and rural sector be treated as a single community, organised into local areas, with a co-ordinated approach to accessing support for farms and other rural businesses and dwellings.”