Event
SOAS Conference 2026 – Growing Our Farming Future
The Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SOAS) will host a fascinating and inspiring day bringing together farmers, co-op members and supply chain partners to explore how Scottish agriculture can capitalise on new opportunities and adapt to a future with reduced reliance on public funding.
Conference Agenda
The conference programme will feature a strong line-up of speakers sharing their insights and experiences across three key areas of focus, examining the potential and possibilities for co-op members and their supply chain partners to:
- Target new markets and clients
- Supply more Scottish produce into local and Scottish markets
- Grow and supply new, sustainable products
In the ‘New Markets and Clients’ session, delegates will hear from Digby Sowerby, Managing Director of the Environmental Farmers Group, a farmer-led co-operative delivering positive environmental change through natural capital trading.
The session exploring opportunities to expand and develop markets closer to home will feature Denis Overton, Chair of the Scottish Food Commission, alongside Allene Bruce, SOAS Head of Supply Chain Development. Together, they will discuss emerging opportunities within Scotland and tackle challenging questions, including why such a high proportion of food and ingredients are currently imported, and how the Good Food Nation legislation can be used to create new business opportunities for Scottish farming. John Forteith, a local food wholesale expert, will also join the panel to share his perspectives.
The conference will also explore opportunities around new and emerging products, introduced by Patrick Hughes, SOAS Strategic Services Director. Delegates will hear from IBioIC (Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre) on their recent work examining the potential of novel agricultural crops, alongside contributions from SOAS co-op members throughout the day.
Each session will be followed by a chaired Q&A panel. James Withers will host two of these discussions, with Helen Glass, SOAS Head of Supply Chain Innovation, hosting the third panel featuring several innovation partners, including the Rowett Institute and South of Scotland Enterprise.
Networking Opportunities
The conference will conclude with a pre-dinner drinks reception, during which the Ed Rainy Brown Award will be presented. This will be followed by dinner and a new twist on the evening’s fundraising activities, raising funds for Farmstrong and RSABI.
Attendees are encouraged to stay on and join what promises to be an enjoyable and memorable evening. SOAS is also seeking prizes for the fundraising activities; anyone wishing to donate is invited to get in touch at saos@saos.coop.
SOAS would like to thank headline sponsor NFU Mutual for their continued support.
