Inspire Programme
A programme supporting food and farming professionals to attend the Oxford Farming Conference, develop their skills and expand their network.
The Inspire Programme enables ambitious candidates from across the rural and agri-food sector to attend the Oxford Farming Conference for the first time. In particular, Inspire is intended to provide the opportunity to attend the Conference for those who may otherwise face social or economic barriers to attend.
Building on the OFC’s successful Scholar programme, Inspire candidates are selected on merit and get to spend an away day together before the Conference, developing contacts, skills and connections that will enable them to maximise their OFC experience in January.
In addition to time at the conference, the group have the opportunity to develop their own network and leadership skills, and receive support from industry bodies and professionals, including programme sponsors BASF Agricultural Solutions and TIAH.
The package includes:
- An away day event, hosted in November 2025, in London
- Complimentary ticket to the full conference, taking place 7-9 January 2026
- Two night’s accommodation during the conference, at the stunning Christchurch College
- Attendance at the Chair's Welcome Reception
- One dinner at the conference (Christ Church Dinner)
- Support from the OFC Directors leading the Inspire Programme
- The potential for post-conference events and activities, supported by OFC and partners
- Join over 115 alumni, who continue to connect and network post OFC
Criteria:
In order to apply you must meet the below criteria:
- 30 to 45 years of age
- Actively involved in the rural, food and/or farming sector
- Not attended OFC in the last three years*
- Not participated in the Inspire Programme before
- Able to attend the full conference in January 2026
- Able to attend the pre-conference Inspire day away in London in November 2025
- Able to meet your own transportation costs for all events included in the programme
- Resident in the UK
*Applications are welcomed from individuals who have attended OFC three or more years ago, but the Directors would look for a clear demonstration of how the Inspire programme would further your career and offer a different opportunity to when you previously attended the conference. You will be asked to state what year you attended and if you attended as part of another programme (scholar, bursary, breaking barriers, funded place by organisation, or via your own means)
Key dates:
| Applications Open | May 2025 |
| Applications Close | June 2025 |
| Shortlisting | July 2025 |
| Applicants Notified | August 2025 |
| Successful Applicants Announced by OFC | September 2025 |
| Away Day in London for #OFC26 Inspire | November 2025 |
| OFC25 Conference | 7-9 January 2026 |
How to apply:
Details will be posted here in May 2025.
What do past Inspire delegates say:
About the sponsors:
BASF Agricultural Solutions connects seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability models, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain.
With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for farming, the biggest job on earth.
TIAH is agriculture and horticulture’s professional body. As the home of skills and careers support, they help people and business fulfil their potential and the industry thrive.
TIAH supports a profitable and sustainable industry by transforming the approach to training and skills development. They seek to embed a culture within the industry of lifelong learning for all. TIAH: working together to grow agriculture and horticulture's people