THE Scottish Government has confirmed funding support of £346,000 for two projects to promote and encourage co-operation and collaboration in Scottish agriculture.

The programme of work, funded through the SRDP knowledge transfer and innovation fund, will be delivered by SAOS, Scotland’s agricultural co-operative and supply chain development organisation, to improve the competitiveness and productivity of Scottish agriculture through co-operation and collaboration.

The initial four-year programme of work will encourage and facilitate knowledge exchange, continuous professional learning and development, networking and collaboration between farmer directors, co-op managers and staff.

It will also focus on strengthening the links between farmers and their food and drink supply chains, and improving co-operation and collaboration from farm to fork.

SAOS chief executive James Graham said: “We warmly welcome the Scottish Government’s acknowledgement both of the unique role of co-ops as self-help groups of farmers, taking responsibility for their livelihoods, and the potential for new forms of co-operation to access markets, add value, improve competitiveness and manage risk.

“The support is critical at a time of such uncertainty and volatility in which the need for new solutions and added value markets is in sharp focus.”

In addition to the knowledge transfer funding, support is being provided by the Scottish Government for specialist advice for farmers considering new ways to co-operate and collaborate.

Mr Graham added: “Working and trading collectively involves participants sharing objectives, investment and risks, as well as agreeing the rules for working together and decision making.

“Most important is thoroughly testing the commercial feasibility of any plans to check that objectives will actually be delivered

Rural cabinet secretary, Fergus Ewing said: “Promoting co-operation and innovation can make a real difference to improving productivity, profitability and resilience within our farming businesses.

“Farmers’ co-ops are particularly well placed to take advantage of economies of scale, share best practice and are at the forefront of implementing innovative techniques and processes that drive the rural economy”.