Scholarship Programme

 

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Scholars Programme 2027, which marks a monumental 25 years since the programme started.

New for 2027, we are delighted to be working in partnership with Severn Trent Water and M&S to deliver the programme. 

This will involve a hybrid model with an opportunity for Scholars to attend the live conference in January 2027 (6th - 8th January), two in-person gatherings and online bespoke sessions that will be made exclusively available to the Scholars.

The OFC Scholars Programme aims to give young people the opportunity for peer-to-peer networking and to share views and ideas, while gaining access to key skills development training. We firmly believe that the exciting 2027 OFC scholars programme provides an excellent opportunity for Scholars to experience the UK’s leading agricultural conference while gaining valuable skills to foster leaders of tomorrow.

So how does the Scholar Programme work?

The Scholars Programme delivers on our charitable objectives whilst supporting the future generations of agriculture. It is limited to 22 individuals, funded by individual sponsors who need to apply for their recipient to be considered, plus 8 Breaking Barriers funded by OFC, Severn Trent Water and M&S (see information below).

The programme welcomes a wide spectrum of individuals, including those from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds, and reflecting a broad diversity of geographical and academic experience. We also encourage and welcome applicants from outside of the agriculture sector including those who haven't studied agri-food subjects.

We ask that Scholars should be aged under 30 years and have not previously attended the conference. 

Schedule of activity

Applications Open	Thursday 17th September 2026 (subject to change)
Applications Close	Friday 16th October 2026
Application Shortlisting by OFC	w/c 19th October 2026
Candidates notified	w/c 26th October 2026
First In-Person Event - Supply Chain Day in London	12th November 2026
Second In-Person Event - Primary Production Day at Harper Adams, Shropshire	25th November 2026
Online Webinars	Hosted between 12th November and 12th December, details will be confirmed with successful candidates
OFC2027	6 to 8 January 2027

*Breaking Barriers have an additional gathering on 24th November - see dedicated section below

How to apply on behalf of your scholar (excludes Breaking Barriers, see below for more information):

Any sponsor, organisation or group can apply for a Scholar place for OFC27 using the online application form (link below), 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 22 individuals will be offered a place on the Scholars Programme.

The application must name the proposed Scholar, and provide insight into who they are and how they will benefit from the opportunity.

The Scholar places are fully funded by the applicant and will not be confirmed until payment has been received - a link and details on how to register will be sent to the sponsor, organisation or group, who submitted the application, on confirmation of a place on the programme. 

The cost for a Scholar for OFC 2027 will be £1000 ex VAT, including two nights accommodation, Chair's Welcome Reception, Oxford Union Debate, and the iconic Christ Church dinner. 

Please note, travel costs for 2027 scholars are not included in the above price. We kindly ask sponsors to set aside additional funds for the aforementioned travel and to liaise directly with their Scholars regarding the cost and reimbursement of travel for both the away days and the conference in January 2027.

Application deadline is 5pm on Friday 16th October 2027.

APPLY HERE

What if my application is not successful? 

If an application is not successful, the sponsor, organisation or group will be invited to purchase an OFC27 ticket using the traditional method (www.ofc.org.uk/booking) and the individual will attend OFC as a delegate. Links will be provided to accommodation that can also be booked by the sponsor, organisation or group on behalf of the individual. 

There will be an optional familiarisation session on Wednesday 6th January 2027 from 1pm to 1.30pm at the Oxford Examination Schools, hosted by some of the OFC Directors, and open to all delegates who have never attended OFC. This will be followed by the Chair's Welcome Reception (lunchtime), OFC Inspiring Innovators, the Farmers Weekly Question Time and the OFC Book Club, kicking-off the 2027 Conference. 

A comment from the partners.

Lucinda Langton, Head of Sustainability at M&S Food said

 “At M&S we have backed British farmers for generations. Through our Plan A for Farming we are committed to investing in people and growing the future, which is why we’re delighted to support the OFC Scholars Programme and help talented young people gain the experience, networks and confidence to power the future of food and farming.”

Georgina Key, Severn Trent Water added: 

"We're keen to support new entrants into the sector, as they'll bring new ideas about land management. We hope that this results in multiple beneficial outcomes - for water, for the environment and for people."
 

Apply for a Scholar Place