Job Overview

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Scholars Programme 2027 is now accepting applications, marking a monumental 25 years since the programme began. This fully funded opportunity is designed for young people who are passionate about food, farming, and agriculture, offering a unique blend of conference attendance, skills training, and peer-to-peer networking.

New for 2027, OFC is partnering with Severn Trent Water and M&S to deliver the programme through a hybrid model. Scholars will attend the live conference in Oxford from 6th to 8th January 2027, participate in two in-person gatherings, and access online bespoke sessions exclusively available to the cohort.

The programme is limited to 30 individuals: 22 sponsored Scholars (funded by individual sponsors who apply on their behalf) and 8 Breaking Barriers Scholars (fully funded by OFC, Severn Trent Water, and M&S). The programme welcomes a wide spectrum of individuals, including those from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds. Applicants from outside the agriculture sector, including those who have not studied agri-food subjects, are encouraged to apply.

This opportunity is best suited for individuals under 30 years old who have an interest in food, farming, and agriculture, and who want to develop their leadership skills, build networks, and experience the UK's leading agricultural conference.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme is more than just attending a conference. It is a transformative experience that equips young people with the skills, connections, and confidence to become leaders in the food and farming sector.

What makes this opportunity valuable:

• Fully funded experience. The Scholar places are fully funded by sponsors, covering a full ticket to the conference, accommodation, meals, the Chair's Welcome Reception, Oxford Union Debate, and the iconic Christ Church dinner. This removes financial barriers and allows you to focus entirely on learning and networking.

• Comprehensive programme. The Scholars Programme includes a range of training, in-person and online sessions, peer-to-peer networking, and access to key skills development training. You will gain valuable skills to foster your career and personal growth.

• World-class conference. The Oxford Farming Conference is the UK's leading agricultural conference, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. Attending as a Scholar gives you access to this prestigious event and the opportunity to engage with key figures in the sector.

• Two in-person gatherings. Scholars attend a Supply Chain Day in London on 12th November 2026 and a Primary Production Day at Harper Adams, Shropshire on 25th November 2026. These events provide practical exposure and networking opportunities.

• Online bespoke sessions. Exclusive online sessions are hosted between 12th November and 12th December, offering flexibility and additional learning opportunities.

• Diversity and inclusion. The programme welcomes individuals from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds. The Breaking Barriers Scholarship specifically supports individuals who have faced barriers to entry into the industry, reflecting OFC's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Lifelong network. Scholars join a community of like-minded young leaders in food and farming. The connections you build can lead to future collaborations, career opportunities, and lasting friendships.

• Career acceleration. Completing the OFC Scholars Programme enhances your CV and demonstrates your commitment to the food and farming sector. It signals to employers and industry leaders that you are proactive, motivated, and ready to lead.

Application Tips

The OFC Scholars Programme is competitive, with limited places available. To give yourself the best chance, follow these practical tips.

• Understand the application process. There are two pathways:

  • Sponsored Scholars (22 places): A sponsor, organisation, or group applies on behalf of a proposed Scholar using the online application form. The sponsor funds the Scholar's place.

  • Breaking Barriers Scholars (8 places): Individuals apply directly to OFC. These places are fully funded by OFC, Severn Trent Water, and M&S. Applicants must be UK residents aged 18–30 who have faced barriers to entry into the industry.

• Check your eligibility. Scholars should be under 30 years old and have not previously attended the OFC conference. Breaking Barriers applicants must be 18–30 years old, UK residents, and have faced barriers to entry into the food, farming, or agricultural sector.

• Secure a sponsor if applying through the sponsored route. If you are not applying for Breaking Barriers, you will need a sponsor, organisation, or group to apply on your behalf. The sponsor must fund your place (£1000 ex VAT) and cover travel costs.

• Prepare your answers carefully. The application requires responses to specific questions, each with a maximum of 150 words:

  • Describe the Scholar's current role, occupation, or studies.

  • What does the Scholar hope to gain from the programme?

  • Why are you nominating this Scholar for OFC27?

  • What value has OFC delivered in the past?

• Highlight your passion and potential. Whether you are applying as a sponsor or a Breaking Barriers candidate, show genuine interest in food, farming, and agriculture. Explain how the programme will help you grow personally and professionally.

• Demonstrate commitment to attending all events. The programme requires attendance at the live conference (6–8 January 2027), two in-person gatherings (12th and 25th November 2026), and online sessions. Make sure you can commit to the full schedule.

• Apply early. Applications close on Friday 16th October 2026. Do not wait until the last minute. Early applications show enthusiasm and give you time to address any issues.

• Prepare for the outcome. Shortlisting takes place the week commencing 19th October 2026, and candidates are notified the week commencing 26th October 2026. If successful, payment must be received before the place is confirmed.

• Explore the Breaking Barriers route if eligible. If you are a UK resident aged 18–30 and have faced barriers to entering the industry, the Breaking Barriers Scholarship offers a fully funded place with additional support, including an online introductory call and an extra day with overnight stay on 24th November.

• Be authentic and enthusiastic. The selection committee is looking for genuine, motivated individuals who will make the most of the opportunity. Be yourself and let your passion for food and farming shine through.

  
  

  
  

  Schedule of Activity

  • Applications Open: Thursday 17th September 2026

  • Applications Close: Friday 16th October 2026

  • Application Shortlisting by OFC: Week commencing 19th October 2026

  • Candidates Notified: Week commencing 26th October 2026

  • First In-Person Event – Supply Chain Day in London: 12th November 2026

  • Second In-Person Event – Primary Production Day at Harper Adams, Shropshire: 25th November 2026

  • Online Webinars: Hosted between 12th November and 12th December 2026

  • OFC2027 Conference: 6 to 8 January 2027

  • Breaking Barriers Additional Gathering: 24th November 2026

Responsibilities

As an OFC Scholar, you will be expected to:

Attend All Programme Events

• Attend the live conference in Oxford from 6th to 8th January 2027.

• Attend the Supply Chain Day in London on 12th November 2026.

• Attend the Primary Production Day at Harper Adams, Shropshire on 25th November 2026.

• Participate in online bespoke sessions hosted between 12th November and 12th December 2026.

Engage Actively

• Participate fully in training, workshops, and networking sessions.

• Share your views, ideas, and experiences with fellow Scholars.

• Build relationships with peers and industry leaders.

Breaking Barriers Additional Commitments

• Attend an online introductory call with the full Breaking Barriers cohort and OFC Directors.

• Attend an additional day with an overnight stay on 24th November 2026.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

• Scholars should be aged under 30 years and have not previously attended the conference.

• Breaking Barriers criteria: 18 to 30 years of age.

• Able to attend the full two-day conference in Oxford in January 2027.

• Able to attend the full Scholar Programme, including the additional Breaking Barriers day (for Breaking Barriers Scholars).

• Resident in the UK (Breaking Barriers only).

• Open for people aged under 30 years old who have an interest in the food, farming, and agricultural sector, and have faced barriers to entry into the industry (Breaking Barriers).

• Individuals do not have to be working or studying in the sector currently (Breaking Barriers).

• The programme welcomes a wide spectrum of individuals, including those from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds.

• Applicants from outside the agriculture sector, including those who haven't studied agri-food subjects, are encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements for Sponsored Scholars

• A sponsor, organisation, or group must apply on behalf of the proposed Scholar using the online application form.

• The application must name the proposed Scholar and provide insight into who they are and how they will benefit from the opportunity.

• The sponsor must confirm understanding that they will be required to pay £1000 (excluding VAT) if the Scholar is selected.

• The sponsor is responsible for travel costs for the Scholar.

Application Questions (max. 150 words each)

• Describe the Scholar's current role, occupation, or studies.

• What does the Scholar hope to gain from the programme to support their personal and professional development?

• Why are you nominating this Scholar for OFC27?

• OFC is in its 91st year. As an organisation/group, what value has OFC delivered in the past?

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Benefits

  • Full ticket to the conference.

  • Accommodation and meals.

  • Two nights accommodation, Chair's Welcome Reception, Oxford Union Debate, and the iconic Christ Church dinner.

  • A range of training, in-person and online sessions.

  • Peer-to-peer networking and the opportunity to share views and ideas.

  • Access to key skills development training.

  • Breaking Barriers: Fully funded place, plus an online introductory call with the full Breaking Barriers cohort and OFC Directors, and an additional day with an overnight stay on 24th November.

How to Apply

For Sponsored Scholars (22 places)

1. Identify a sponsor. A sponsor, organisation, or group must apply on your behalf. Discuss the opportunity with your employer, a professional association, a charity, or another organisation that can fund your place.

2. Complete the online application form. The sponsor must submit the application using the online form, naming you as the proposed Scholar and providing insight into who you are and how you will benefit.

3. Answer the application questions. Provide responses to the four questions, each with a maximum of 150 words.

4. Confirm payment. If selected, the sponsor will receive a link and details on how to register and pay the £1000 (ex VAT) fee. The place is confirmed once payment is received.

5. Attend the programme. Once confirmed, attend all events, including the conference in January 2027 and the in-person gatherings in November 2026.

For Breaking Barriers Scholars (8 places)

1. Check your eligibility. You must be a UK resident aged 18–30, have an interest in food, farming, and agriculture, and have faced barriers to entry into the industry.

2. Apply directly to OFC. Applications for Breaking Barriers are managed via OFC. Individuals apply directly, not through an organisation, business, or charity.

3. Complete the online application form. Provide accurate personal information and answer the application questions.

4. Attend the programme. If selected, you will receive a fully funded place, including the additional Breaking Barriers day on 24th November.

5. Submit before the deadline. Applications close on Friday 16th October 2026.

If Your Application Is Not Successful

• Sponsors will be invited to purchase an OFC27 ticket using the traditional method at www.ofc.org.uk/booking.

• The individual can attend OFC as a delegate.

• An optional familiarisation session will be held on Wednesday 6th January 2027 from 1pm to 1.30pm at the Oxford Examination Schools, open to all delegates who have never attended OFC