Union Debate returns for OFC26 with bold look to farming’s future

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has announced details of its renowned Oxford Union Debate, which returns as part of the 2026 programme with a motion inspired by the conference’s 90^th anniversary: “This house believes that in the next 90 years farming will become a one day-a-week job.”

Taking place on Thursday 8th January 2026, the debate, sponsored by Savills, Thrings Solicitors and Pinion Global Network, will close the second day of the conference before delegates gather for the Christ Church Dinner.

Proposing the motion will be Dr Elliott Grant, Visiting Fellow at Cambridge University’s Institute for Manufacturing and Kate Russell, Managing Director at Tellus Natural Capital.

Opposing the motion are Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission and Tracey Roan, Dairy Industry Consultant at Owen Farm Services.

The Oxford Union Debate is one of the few occasions each year that an external organisation is invited to use the prestigious Oxford Union Debating Chamber, a setting that has hosted some of history’s most notable figures, including Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and Ronald Reagan.

The speakers for OFC26 bring a broad range of experiences, contributing to a lively debate. Dr Elliot Grant specialises in the intersection of technology and agriculture. As CEO of Alphabet’s “Other Bet” in agriculture, and CEO of HarvestMark and ShopWell, he has led innovations across the global food system and has authored over 50 patents.

Kate Russell is an independent Natural Capital consultant, Agricultural Valuer, Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Environmentalist. She co-founded Tellus Natural Capital Ltd in 2021 to help farmers and landowners across the UK to prepare for and take advantage of emerging markets in ecosystem services.

Through her work at the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Sue Pritchard and her team bring people together to act on climate, nature and health crises, through fairer, more sustainable food systems, and a just transition for rural communities and the countryside.

Tracey Roan joined Owen Farm Services in 2025, bringing policy expertise from NFU Scotland and a lifetime in dairying. Alongside her family, she milks 240 pedigree Holsteins in South West Scotland, a hands-on, 365-day job. A champion of fair milk contracts and innovation, she also competes in Strong Woman events - proving milk really does build strength.

Following the debate, delegates can continue the evening at Christ Church College, where a three-course dinner will be served in the College’s famous Great Hall - the inspiration for the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter films, and where Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll once taught.

Chair of OFC26, Jude McCann, said: “The Oxford Union Debate holds a distinctive place within the conference programme. It is lively, good-natured and entertaining, yet also invites thoughtful reflection on how farming and society continue to evolve.

“For many delegates, it represents a highlight of the week and a rare opportunity to see complex ideas explored with both intelligence and wit in one of the world’s most historic debating chambers.

“As we celebrate 90 years of the Oxford Farming Conference, the debate continues to embody what the event does best: bringing people together to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives and look confidently towards the future of our industry.”

OFC26 will take place from 7 - 9 January 2026, marking 90 years since the first conference in Oxford. This year’s theme, “Growing Resilience,” will explore how people, businesses and the environment can adapt and thrive amid change.

The packed programme will cover politics, people and business, featuring more than 25 speakers from across the world, including Jack Bobo, Executive Director of the Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies at UCLA, and Dame Fiona Reynolds, Chair of the National Audit Office and former Director-General of the National Trust.

To view the full OFC26 conference programme and book tickets, visit our dedicated section.