About the opportunity
The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Scholars Programme marks its 25th anniversary in 2027, delivered in partnership with Severn Trent Water and M&S. The hybrid programme features online bespoke sessions, two in-person gatherings, and live attendance at the annual conference in Oxford from January 6 to 8, 2027. It provides young people under 30 with peer-to-peer networking, views sharing, and key skills development. The initiative comprises two streams: 22 sponsored scholar places funded by individual organisations, and 8 fully-funded Breaking Barriers scholarships for individuals facing entry obstacles into the agricultural sector. The programme welcomes diverse participants, including those from non-traditional backgrounds and outside the agriculture sector.
Funding and benefits
- Full ticket to the live Oxford Farming Conference 2027 from January 6 to 8, 2027
- Two nights of accommodation during the conference, including access to the Chair's Welcome Reception, Oxford Union Debate, and Christ Church dinner
- Access to exclusive online webinars hosted between November 12 and December 12, 2026
- Participation in in-person events including the Supply Chain Day in London on November 12, 2026, and Primary Production Day at Harper Adams on November 25, 2026
- For Breaking Barriers scholars, an additional gathering with an overnight stay on November 24, 2026
- Comprehensive peer-to-peer networking and key skills development training
Who can apply?
- Aged under 30 years old
- Have not previously attended the Oxford Farming Conference
- For sponsored scholar places: applications must be submitted on behalf of the candidate by a sponsor, organisation, or group
- For Breaking Barriers scholarship places: individuals must apply directly, be resident in the UK, and face significant and identifiable challenges or barriers to entering the food, farming, and agricultural sector
Required documents
- Online application form providing insight into who the candidate is and how they will benefit from the opportunity
- For Breaking Barriers applicants: details sharing insight into the barrier or barriers faced in entering the industry
When to apply
- Applications Open: Thursday, September 17, 2026
- Applications Close: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM
- Application Shortlisting by OFC: Week commencing October 19, 2026
- Candidates Notified: Week commencing October 26, 2026
How to apply
- For general scholar places, have a sponsor, organisation, or group complete and submit the online application form naming the proposed scholar
- For Breaking Barriers scholarship places, apply directly using the dedicated online application form
- Upon confirmation of a general scholar place, complete registration and payment via the provided payment link
Additional information
- Travel costs for away days and the January 2027 conference are not included in the standard scholar fee and must be covered or reimbursed by sponsors or participants
- The cost for a sponsored scholar place for OFC 2027 is £1000 excluding VAT
- Unsuccessful sponsored applications can purchase standard delegate tickets to attend the conference
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Young professionals and students under 30 eager to build leadership skills and establish valuable networks in the agricultural sector
- Individuals from non-traditional backgrounds or outside the agri-food industry who want a supportive entry point into farming and food supply chains
- Candidates based in the UK who can commit to attending the multi-day hybrid schedule, including regional events and the Oxford conference
What should you think carefully about?
- Travel expenses for the in-person events and the Oxford conference are not covered by the standard fee and require separate funding arrangements
- Sponsored places require an organisation or group to apply and pay the £1000 fee, whereas Breaking Barriers is restricted to UK residents facing specific access hurdles
- The fixed schedule demands availability on specific dates in November 2026 and January 2027
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This programme provides an exceptional platform for early-career individuals to gain high-level industry exposure, practical skills, and direct mentorship from key agricultural stakeholders, making it ideal for kickstarting a network or accelerating career growth in farming and food sectors.
Our take
Eligible young individuals and their sponsors should seriously consider applying before the October deadline, keeping in mind the need to arrange separate travel funding and confirm schedule availability.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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