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. It has been proven to help individuals to develop their professional and interpersonal skills, and create strong networks.

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 partners BASF Agricultural Solutions and REAL Success Ltd.

The package includes:

• An away day event, hosted from 16 - 17 November 2026, in London
• Complimentary ticket to the full conference, taking place in Oxford from 6 - 8 January 2027
• Two night’s accommodation during the conference, at the stunning Christchurch College (6 and 7 January 2027)
• Attendance at the Chair's Welcome Reception (6 January 2027)
• Christ Church Dinner (7 January 2027)
• Support from the OFC Directors leading the Inspire Programme
• Join over 145 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
• Not participated in the Inspire Programme before
• Able to attend the full conference in 6 to 8 January 2027
• Able to attend the pre-conference Inspire day away in London in 16 - 17 November 2026
• Able to meet your own transportation costs for all events included in the programme
• Resident in the UK

Key dates:

How to apply:

Applications are now open, to apply click HERE

A message from the partners:

Joel Johnson, Business Director for BASF Agricultural Solutions for BASF UK & Ireland, said,

“BASF Agricultural Solutions is proud to continue supporting the Inspire Programme and all it represents. Not only does it give participants the opportunity to grow in confidence, develop valuable leadership skills and build strong industry networks, but we’ve seen first-hand the impact its alumni have had shaping the face of UK agriculture.

“We look forward to welcome the next cohort onto the programme and seeing how it will empower those to embrace new opportunities, share their experiences and use their voices to support not only their own farm or business, but those they meet on the programme and the future of UK agriculture itself.”

Paul Harris, Managing Director at REAL Success Ltd added, 

“We believe the greatest opportunity for British agriculture lies not just in developing better farms, but in developing better leaders. That's why sponsoring the Inspire programme is such a natural fit. By investing in the next generation's confidence, self-awareness, relationships and leadership, we're helping create an industry where both people and businesses can thrive for years to come.”