Scholarship Programme

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2026, in partnership with McDonald's. The programme will involve a hybrid model with an opportunity for Scholars to attend the live conference in January 2026 (7th - 9th January), a 1-day in-person gathering in London on Friday 17th October 2025, as well as 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 2026 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?

In celebration of 90 years of OFC, The 2026 Scholars Programme has been reviewed to ensure it delivers on its charitable objectives whilst supporting the future generations of agriculture. 

This means, the Scholar Programme will no longer be open and unlimited for sponsors, organisations and groups to apply. It will be limited to 12 individuals, plus 8 Breaking Barriers (see information below) and 10 McDonald's Progressive Young Farmers. 

How to apply:

Any sponsor, organisation or group can apply for a Scholar place for OFC26 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 12 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 2026 will be £1000 ex VAT, including two nights accommodation, Chair's Welcome Reception, Oxford Union Debate, and the iconic Christchurch dinner. 

Please note, travel costs for 2026 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 day on Friday 17th October 2025 and the conference in January 2026.

Application deadline is Friday 3 October 2025.

What if my application is not successful? 

If an application is not successful, the sponsor, organisation or group will be invited to purchase an OFC26 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 7th January 2026 a from 1pm to 2pm 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 OFC Inspiring Innovators, the OFC Book Club and the Farmers Weekly Question Time, kicking-off the 2026 Conference. 

A comment from the partner.

"As long-term partners of the Oxford Farming Conference, we're proud to sponsor both the Scholars Programme and the Breaking Barriers Programme. As a business, we are committed to supporting the next generation to enter the agri-food industry, and enabling more young people from diverse backgrounds to attend the conference via the programme is just one of the ways we're doing so."

Ellie Wotherspoon, McDonald's Agriculture & Sustainable Sourcing Manager, UK & Ireland.