Oxford Farming Conference reveals 2027 speakers and debate motion

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has announced speakers for its 2027 event, taking place from 6th to 8th January under the theme “Harmony”, exploring how greater collaboration and shared understanding can help build a more resilient food and farming industry.

Agricultural scientists Dr Sarah Hearne and Dr Rosie Bryson, former British Army General Richard Nugee, agricultural economist Charles Duff, and author and environmental campaigner Satish Kumar are among those joining the programme, alongside farmers and business leaders from across the UK.

The conference will also see the return of the renowned Oxford Union Debate, with the motion: “This house believes that mindset is the biggest barrier to progress in farming.”

Proposing will be Ayrshire farmer Cammy Wilson, known for sharing his farming life through The Sheep Game, and mediator and EmpowerAg founder Amy Hughes. Opposing will be NFU Cymru President and dairy farmer Abi Reader, and Lancashire livestock farmer Joe Towers.

A longstanding highlight of the conference, the debate returns to the historic Oxford Union Debating Chamber in 2027 with sponsorship from Savills and Thrings. It promises lively discussion in this celebrated setting, where delegates can hear opposing arguments and contribute their own views.

Across the wider programme, Dr Rosie Bryson will deliver the science keynote. As Research Director for ADAS Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Chair of the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, her work focuses on connecting research and innovation with measurable impacts for farmers and growers.

The Frank Parkinson Lecture will be delivered by Dr Sarah Hearne, Chief Science and Innovation Officer at CIMMYT. Her career spans more than two decades in agricultural research and development, working in public and private sectors across Africa, Latin America and Europe.

Richard Nugee joins the trade and policy session following a 35-year British Army career specialising in operations and personnel. He wrote a review of Defence’s approach to climate change and sustainability and has since gained international recognition for highlighting the security implications of climate and nature.

Charles Duff brings more than 35 years’ experience in international development to the programme. President of Alinea International and an agricultural economist by background, his career has centred around agricultural and food system resilience and economic redevelopment, in rural regions affected by conflict and natural disaster.

Satish Kumar is an internationally recognised author and speaker who has devoted his life to ecological regeneration, peace and social justice. He is known for his 8,000-mile nuclear-disarmament peace walk, which took him to the capitals of four nuclear-armed countries.

Commenting on the line-up, Chair of OFC27, Sheena Horner, said: “Oxford has always been a place where UK farming looks beyond its immediate concerns, and engages with the ideas and opportunities shaping its future. This programme continues that tradition; bringing the experience of farmers together with scientific expertise and perspectives from outside the industry.

“Our theme, Harmony, asks how a sector with differing interests and approaches can work more effectively together. It requires a willingness to listen and to question our own assumptions, particularly when another person’s experience differs from ours.

“At a time of considerable uncertainty for food and farming, the opportunity to come together in Oxford matters. I want delegates to leave with a broader perspective on the challenges ahead and renewed confidence in the contribution they can make.”