Business support

Business support for farmers and growers in Scotland:

• Producer membership
  Soil Association producer membership gives you unlimited and ongoing access to our full range of support services.

• Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society  (SAOS)
  Scotland's experts on co-operative and collaborative strategies, structures and management. They provide a comprehensive range of development and consultancy services, supported by The Scottish Government
   
• Scottish Agricultural College (SAC)
  The SAC organic farming website is a free information resource for organic farmers and for farmers thinking about converting to organic.
   
• Scottish Government 'Organic web site' 
  The Scottish Government has worked with stakeholders through the Scottish Organic Forum to develop an Organic Action Plan (published March 2011). The Action Plan reflects the shared agenda for the sector, with actions being taken forward by all parties concerned with growing the organic food and drink supply chain in Scotland.
   
• Scottish Rural Development Programme  
  The SRDP is a programme of economic, environmental and social measures, utilising some €680m of European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development funding plus Scottish Government match funding.

• Scotland Food and Drink
  Scotland Food & Drink, established in 2007, is a not-for-profit organisation that was created to guide food and drink companies of all sizes towards increased profitability.

• Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2013
  The Awards, now in their ninth year, complement the work of the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum by encouraging food and drink businesses to be innovative, forward thinking and collaborative and by celebrating excellence and achievement. With some of the best natural produce in the world, the Awards showcase the wide range of food and drink products in the region and the equally diverse profile of businesses, from internationally renowned companies to small innovative producers. Entries for the 2013 Awards are now open. To find out more please click here. Closing date is on 3 June 2013.

• VIBES Awards 2013
  The VIBES Awards are open to any Scottish based business that contributes to the sustainable development of Scotland in some way. If you have taken an effective approach to environmental improvement and sustainable development, either across the whole of your business or by focusing on only one of your activities, you could be eligible for a VIBES award. The VIBES Awards recognise Scottish businesses that have shown commitment, action and achievement in reducing their impact on the environment. If you have any questions about the 2013 Awards, please contact us by emailing vibes@thebusinesspartnership.org.uk. Entries open 1 May and close 5 July. VIBES Awards ceremony 26th November.