OFC26 Bursaries, Breaking Barriers and Scholars - Apply today.
1st October 2025 by OFC Press Team
To celebrate the launch of the speaker programme, OFC has announced the return of its bursary scheme for the fourth year, generously supported by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. The scheme will enable individuals who may otherwise face financial barriers to attend OFC26.
Awarded to individuals who are actively working in the food, farming and agricultural sector, or with an evidenced pathway to enter the industry, these bursaries will fully-fund the cost of a ticket to the conference in Oxford from 7 to 9 January 2026, as well as offering accommodation, and a ticket to the Chair's Reception and Christ Church Dinner. There is also the option to apply for a small grant for use towards travel.
You must be a resident in the UK, 18 years of age or over, and not attended the Oxford Farming Conference before.
Scholars and Breaking Barriers
The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2026, in partnership with McDonald's, is also open for applications.
The programme will involve a hybrid model with an opportunity for Scholars to attend the live conference in January 2026 (7th - 9th January), a 1-day in-person gathering in London on Friday 17th October 2025, as well as online bespoke sessions that will be made exclusively available to the Scholars.
As part of the 90 year celebrations, The 2026 Scholars Programme has been reviewed to ensure it delivers on its charitable objectives whilst supporting the future generations of agriculture.
This means, the Scholar Programme will no longer be open and unlimited for sponsors, organisations and groups to apply. It will be limited to:
12 individuals - any sponsor, organisation or group can apply for a Scholar place using the online application form, which offers a range of training, in-person and online sessions, full ticket to the conference, accommodation and meals. Applications will then be reviewed by the OFC Directors and 12 individuals will be offered a place on the Scholars Programme. Visit the dedicated page to find out more.
8 Breaking Barriers - As part of our commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity and inclusion we launched the landmark Breaking Barriers Scholarship 6 years ago. This unique opportunity is 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. We strongly invite applications from those who are BPOC (black and people of colour). Individuals do not have to be working or studying in the sector currently.
10 McDonald's Progressive Young Farmers - recruited and managed by McDonald's
To find out more about Scholars and Breaking Barriers, click here