Cooperative Members
SQC is a co-operative formed of farming and associated industry partners.
Our Cooperative Board
The strength of SQC’s assurance scheme comes from its cooperation with the whole supply chain. Our Board has eight co-op members who support the Managing Director.
Our Board is made up of eight co-op member representatives - from across the supply chain from grower to buyer – who each bring with them specialist knowledge, differing perspectives and strategic insight.
The Board is always led by farmers, with both the Chair and Vice-Chair bringing practical, active experience. These roles are independent of any organisation, as is the role of Technical Director on the board.
The cooperative board is integral to the lean business model of SQC which operates with one part-time member of staff. The Managing Director takes forward the strategy and direction agreed by the SQC Board.
The business of the cooperative board is:
To operate and manage a crop quality assurance and traceability scheme that demonstrates safe, traceable and environmentally responsible production of arable crops within Scotland.
To represent growers’ interests by providing an industry voice with relevant stakeholders including influencing emerging policy and legislation to maximise opportunities and minimise risks for SQC growers’ businesses.
To proactively communicate and engage with growers and industry stakeholders to understand market requirements and explore industry development opportunities to help improve the economic sustainability of SQC members businesses.
SQC also established the Scottish Crop Supply Chain Hub a wider network of stakeholders beyond the board. Through regular meetings and shared updates on the sector from both the Board and the Hub, SQC ensures its standards remain relevant, required, and aligned with future market needs.
