OFC’s Inspiring Innovators: An opportunity not to be missed!

If you're thinking about applying for the Oxford Farming Conference's (OFC) Inspiring Innovators programme, let me tell you – just do it! As one of the four award-winning farmers behind The Green Farm Collective, this experience was absolutely transformative for our business.

We trade regeneratively farmed milling wheat from certified farms, with genuine regen principles at the heart of everything we do. We return premiums to farmers while supplying high-quality flour to the baking world.

When I heard about the opportunity to present our business on stage at OFC for up to 10 minutes, in front of its impressive and prestigious audience – plus receive a full conference ticket including accommodation, Chair's Welcome Reception and Christ Church Dinner – it was a no-brainer. I had to apply…

More than just pitching

While presenting my business was the main event, being part of the audience and hearing from my fellow innovators was equally valuable. Listening to pitches from dynamic, up and coming businesses was fascinating and adds tremendous value to the conference. Whoever conceived this programme deserves serious credit – it's brilliant!

The experience goes far beyond the main event, though. The programme includes a day of presentation and skills training at McCain Foods' facility in Scarborough, which proved to be one of the most useful personal development experiences I've had. Not only did we learn about McCain's operations first-hand, but we received something invaluable that we'd never had before: honest, constructive feedback on our pitches from a room full of people.

Skills and connections that last a lifetime

That feedback session was transformative. We stripped everything back, refined our approach, and emerged with dramatically improved pitches. The entire group found the day immensely useful, and these weren't just short-term improvements – the enhanced presentation skills and confidence have stayed with me and continue to benefit The Green Farm Collective immeasurably.

The real magic of OFC lies in its networking opportunities. The full conference access means you can follow up on your presentation throughout the entire event. The coffee break conversations, Chair's Welcome Reception, and the prestigious Christ Church Dinner provide amazing chances to connect with industry leaders and peers. These interactions are where lasting relationships begin.

Long-term impact

The programme's impact on The Green Farm Collective has been huge. It's genuinely helped put us on the map, directly increasing our customer base and providing real benefits for both the business and my personal development. We're now finalists in the upcoming Baking Industry Awards in London for one of our wheat-to-flour products, offering further opportunities for increased exposure to new investors and customers.

If you're running an innovative agricultural business and considering applying for this year's Inspiring Innovators programme, don't hesitate. It's an opportunity that delivers benefits far beyond the conference itself. I can’t wait to hear from next year’s cohort and see what brilliant innovations they bring to the stage!

Applications for the OFC26 Inspiring Innovator programme close on Monday 29^th September. Find out more at Inspiring Innovators | Oxford Farming Conference.