Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme gives young people the opportunity to join the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Scholars Programme, providing access to peer-to-peer networking, skills development training, and attendance at OFC 2027. The OFC Scholarship supports a diverse cohort with in-person gatherings and online bespoke sessions.
The programme is delivered by the Oxford Farming Conference in partnership with Severn Trent Water and M&S, and includes a hybrid model with attendance at the live conference (6–8 January 2027), two in-person gatherings and online sessions exclusively for Scholars.
Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme Benefits
- Full access to the Oxford Farming Conference 2027
- Two nights of accommodation during the conference
- Meals and official conference receptions
- Entry to the Oxford Union Debate and Christ Church Dinner
- Two in-person leadership and industry development events
- Exclusive online workshops and skills development sessions
- Peer networking with emerging leaders across the agri-food sector
- 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.
Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme Eligibility Criteria
- Be under 30 years of age
- Have never previously attended the Oxford Farming Conference
- Demonstrate an interest in food, farming, agriculture, or related sectors
- Be available to participate in the full programme between November 2026 and January 2027
How to Apply for Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme?
- 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.
- The application must name the proposed Scholar, and provide insight into who they are and how they will benefit from the opportunity.
- Applications will then be reviewed by the OFC Directors and 22 individuals will be offered a place on the Scholars Programme.
- 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.
- Breaking Barriers applicants must apply directly (not through an organisation, business or charity) via OFC and may email [email protected] with confidential queries about eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application steps and contact details for the Scholars Programme.
What is the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme?
Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme is a scheme run by the Oxford Farming Conference to give young people access to the conference, peer-to-peer networking and skills development. The 2027 programme includes a hybrid model with attendance at OFC 2027, two in-person gatherings and bespoke online sessions exclusively for Scholars.
Who runs the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme and who are the partners?
The programme is delivered by the Oxford Farming Conference in partnership with Severn Trent Water and M&S. The OFC Directors responsible for the 2027 Scholars’ Programme are Ben Williams and Dan Smith.
How many Scholar places are available and how are they funded?
The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme is limited to 22 individuals funded by individual sponsors who apply for a recipient, plus eight Breaking Barriers places fully funded by OFC, Severn Trent Water and M&S. Sponsor-funded Scholar places are confirmed once payment has been received.
What does the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme include for Scholars?
The programme includes training, in-person and online sessions, a full ticket to the conference, accommodation and meals. For 2027 the cost for a sponsor to fund a Scholar place is £1000 ex VAT which includes two nights accommodation, Chair’s Welcome Reception, Oxford Union Debate and the Christ Church dinner.
Who is eligible to apply for a Scholar place?
Scholars should be aged under 30 years and must not have previously attended the conference. The programme welcomes applicants from a wide spectrum of backgrounds including those outside the agriculture sector and those who haven’t studied agri-food subjects.
What is the Breaking Barriers Scholarship?
Breaking Barriers is a scholarship stream aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion; for OFC 2027 it will fully fund eight individuals. Applicants for these places must apply directly to OFC, be UK residents, aged 18 to 30 and demonstrate they face barriers to entry into the sector.
When are the key dates for the 2027 Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme?
Applications open Thursday 17th September 2026 and close Friday 16th October 2026. Shortlisting is w/c 19th October 2026 with candidate notifications w/c 26th October 2026. OFC2027 takes place 6 to 8 January 2027.
How do sponsors apply for a Scholar place?
Any sponsor, organisation or group can apply for a Scholar place using the online application form linked on the OFC site. The application must name the proposed Scholar and explain who they are and how they will benefit; successful places are confirmed after payment is received.
What if an application is unsuccessful?
If an application is not successful, the sponsor, organisation or group will be invited to purchase an OFC27 ticket using the traditional booking method via www.ofc.org.uk/booking and the individual can attend OFC as a delegate; accommodation links will also be provided.
Who can I contact for more information about the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme?
For questions or more information contact the OFC Secretariat via [email protected]. The page also notes the OFC Directors responsible for the programme as Ben Williams and Dan Smith.
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