New partnership to drive sustainable growth in South’s food and drink sector

The agreement between South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) will support the industry’s transition towards Net Zero emissions, while aiming to increase its Gross Value Added (GVA) for the region.

Presently, the South of Scotland contributes approximately 30% of Scotland’s agricultural emissions, while the food and drink sector contributes 10% of the region’s Gross Value Added (GVA). 

This presents an opportunity to lower emissions but also increase the value captured from the South’s impressive agricultural food and drink producing assets, creating a greener, wealthier and more inclusive economy for all. 

The partnership – which is initially in place for three years – will aim to improve both the commercial, societal and environmental sustainability of the sector through focussing on supply chain development; innovation and technology; and community and economic development.

Actions include identifying gaps and opportunities in the supply chain, promoting the use of data and technology to improve agricultural practices and supporting the development of new products and processes that lower carbon emissions.

The partnership will also aim to enhance community involvement and ownership within the supply chain and develop initiatives which reconnect communities with local agriculture. 
The partnership was signed at SAOS’s annual conference in Crieff in January 2025.

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive at SOSE, said:
“Our new partnership with the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society not only drives inclusive, green growth across the South of Scotland, but demonstrates our commitment to farming as a key sector. 
“We will work with SAOS to showcase the innovation happening in agriculture, the commitment from the sector to drive real change and to harness the economic opportunities for our producers.”

SAOS’s Chief Executive, Tim Bailey, added: 
“We look forward to working together with SOSE, bringing our supply chain expertise to help farmers and businesses in food and drink production in the South of Scotland to transition towards Net Zero in an inclusive and sustainable way, and boosting economic growth in their supply chains.”

Key areas of focus from SOSE-SAOS partnership

Supply Chain Development
• Map current food and drink production capabilities.
• Identify gaps and opportunities within the supply chain.

Innovation and Technology
• Promote the use of data and technology to improve agricultural practices.
• Support the development of new products and processes that lower carbon emissions.
 

Community and Economic Development
• Enhance community involvement and ownership within the supply chain.
• Develop initiatives that reconnect communities with local agriculture.
 

About South of Scotland Enterprise

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) supports businesses and enterprising communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. SOSE is here to help people and enterprises in the South to thrive, grow and fulfil their best potential. 

In 2023/24, SOSE:

• Supported 1,300 businesses, social enterprises and community groups;
• Of the 1,300 enterprises which SOSE engaged with and supported, 152 received grants which totalled £9.2million;
• SOSE’s activities helped safeguard 1,316 jobs and create 377 posts;
• SOSE made significant investments of £13.7m into business and community enterprises;
• There was also a further £5.7m invested into 48 strategic projects to help transform the region.

To find out more, www.southofscotlandenterprise.com