Scottish agri-coops apex SAOS has collaborated on a report looking at ways to build stronger markets for pulses, giving farmers the confidence to increase production.
SAOS (the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society) teamed up with the British On-Farm Innovation Network (Bofin), follows a workshop held as part of the Nitrogen Climate Smart (NCS) project, bringing together 30 farmers, researchers, advisers and agri-industry representatives from across Scotland’s pulse supply chain.
Participants explored what would be needed to increase pulse production in Scotland, with stronger demand emerging as a central theme.
Opportunities identified included developing higher-value food markets, increasing the use of Scottish-grown pulses in pig, poultry and dairy diets, and encouraging longer-term commitments from buyers. Participants also highlighted the need to address practical barriers, including processing and storage capacity, while building greater familiarity with pulses among consumers.
A clear message was that increasing production will require confidence at both ends of the supply chain, says SAOS.
Scottish farmer and NCS pulse pioneer, John Seed, said: “Farmers are willing to grow pulses, but ultimately there has to be a viable market for what we produce.
“Why take the risk if you’ve got no destination for the crop? We know there are benefits to growing pulses, but farmers still have to make the figures stack up, particularly when you’re competing with imported soya.
“There’s definitely a role for government support, but incentives alone aren’t going to build a sustainable market. We need retailers, processors and policymakers working with farmers to create a supply chain that rewards some of those wider benefits as well as the crop itself.”
Helen Glass, head of supply chain innovation at SAOS, who facilitated the workshop, commented: “Farmers need confidence that there will be a market for their crop, while processors and buyers need confidence that growers can provide a reliable supply. Neither side can achieve their goal acting alone.”
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The report highlights the wider benefits of developing a stronger domestic market for pulses. As well as creating opportunities to diversify farm income and reduce reliance on imported protein, pulses can provide a valuable break crop and help reduce reliance on manufactured nitrogen fertiliser.
The workshop was held at the Bofin North Inspiration Day as part of the NCS project, a four-year, £5.9m research programme involving 200 UK farms and 17 partners. Led by the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO), NCS aims to reduce agricultural emissions by increasing pulse and legume cropping and replacing some imported soya meal with home-grown alternatives.
Bofin managing director Tom Allen-Stevens said: “There are some exciting market opportunities, whether that’s replacing imported soya in livestock diets, getting more Scottish pulses into higher-value food markets or looking at public procurement.
“We’ve got farmers who want to grow pulses. Now we need government and industry to work together to turn that appetite into something that works commercially for Scottish farmers.”
The report concludes that no single intervention will increase production on its own. Instead, the priorities identified provide a starting point for closer collaboration between farmers, industry and policymakers to build confidence and create stronger markets for Scottish-grown pulses.
Scotland’s small fruit and veg producers invited to help grow understanding of sector
Meanwhile, SAOS is delivering a survey for the Scottish government, asking small producers of fruit and vegetables to help build a clearer picture of their sector and inform future Scottish government support.
The survey forms part of research commissioned by the Scottish government and delivered by SAOS, the James Hutton Institute and the Landworkers’ Alliance. The study, says SAOS, will explore how small horticultural businesses operate, their contribution to Scotland’s food supply, and the challenges and opportunities affecting their future.
The research team wants to hear from producers across Scotland, including market gardens, small fruit and vegetable businesses, and farms and crofts with horticultural enterprises. The study also covers producers of herbs, mushrooms, and microgreens. Growers supplying customers through veg boxes, farm shops, markets, local retailers, hospitality or other routes are encouraged to share their experiences.
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The survey asks about production, routes to market, land, labour and infrastructure, alongside business ambitions and the support producers need to thrive. Responses will help the researchers understand what supports successful businesses, what limits their development, and where policy and practical support could make a difference.
“Small growers operate in many different ways, and their experiences are not always visible in existing data,” said Adam Forrest, co-operative development manager at SAOS. “This research is an opportunity to build a better understanding of the sector, grounded in the realities of running these businesses.
“We want to hear what is working, what is difficult, and what would help. Whether you run a market garden, grow fruit and vegetables as part of a mixed farm or croft, or supply a small local customer base, your experience can help inform future support.”
The survey is part of a wider programme combining sector mapping, interviews and discussions with producers and other organisations involved in Scotland’s food supply chains.
The findings will provide an evidence base to inform future Scottish government thinking on support for small horticulture producers and market gardens in Scotland.
The survey is open, until 27 November 2026, at: hutton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eL4ywf6VNO82qyi
