About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Applications are now open for the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Scholars Programme 2027, a leadership and networking opportunity for young people interested in agriculture, food systems, farming and rural innovation.
The programme brings together emerging leaders from diverse academic, professional and geographical backgrounds for leadership development, mentoring, networking and participation in the Oxford Farming Conference 2027 in Oxford, United Kingdom.
The 2027 programme will run from November 2026 to January 2027, culminating in the Oxford Farming Conference from 6–8 January 2027.
About the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme
The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme is designed to support and develop the next generation of leaders in the agriculture and food sectors.
For the 2027 programme, OFC is partnering with Severn Trent Water and Marks & Spencer (M&S) to provide scholars with a combination of in-person events, online learning, industry engagement and access to the Oxford Farming Conference.
A total of 30 scholars will be selected, comprising 22 sponsored scholar places and 8 fully funded Breaking Barriers scholarships.
The programme is intended to help participants strengthen their leadership abilities, explore new ideas, develop professional networks and gain a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of food and farming.
What the Programme Offers
Successful scholars will receive a range of benefits, including:
Full access to the Oxford Farming Conference 2027.
Two nights of accommodation during the conference.
Meals and official conference receptions.
Access to the Oxford Union Debate and Christ Church Dinner.
Two in-person leadership and industry development events.
Online workshops and skills-development sessions.
Opportunities to network with emerging leaders across the agri-food sector.
Exposure to agricultural leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and other professionals working across food and farming.
Important: Travel expenses are not included in the standard Scholars Programme and are expected to be covered separately by sponsors or participants, as applicable.
Who Can Apply?
The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.
Applicants should:
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 throughout the programme from November 2026 to January 2027.
You do not necessarily need to have studied agriculture or currently work in the agri-food sector. The programme encourages applications from people with non-traditional educational and professional backgrounds who have a genuine interest in the future of food and farming.
Programme Schedule
ActivityDateApplications Open17 September 2026Application Deadline16 October 2026ShortlistingWeek of 19 October 2026Successful Candidates NotifiedWeek of 26 October 2026Supply Chain Day – London12 November 2026Primary Production Day – Shropshire25 November 2026Online WebinarsNovember–December 2026Oxford Farming Conference6–8 January 2027
Selected participants are expected to attend the required programme activities.
Sponsored Scholar Places
The main Scholars Programme is delivered through sponsorship from organisations, businesses, charities and industry groups.
Sponsors nominate a young person they believe would benefit from the programme. The sponsored scholar receives the full programme experience, including conference participation, accommodation, development activities and networking opportunities.
The programme cost for a sponsored scholar is £1,000 excluding VAT, which is covered by the sponsoring organisation. Travel expenses are separate.
The sponsoring organisation's application should explain the nominee's potential and how participation in the programme could contribute to their personal and professional development.
Breaking Barriers Scholarship
OFC also offers eight fully funded Breaking Barriers Scholarships for young people who have experienced significant barriers to entering the food, farming or agricultural sector.
Unlike the sponsored scholar route, individuals can apply directly for the Breaking Barriers Scholarship.
Breaking Barriers Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be between 18 and 30 years old.
Be a UK resident.
Have an interest in food, farming or agriculture.
Be available to participate in the complete Scholars Programme.
Be available for the additional Breaking Barriers event on 24 November 2026.
Applicants do not need to be studying or working in agriculture. The scholarship is intended to improve access to opportunities for individuals who have experienced identifiable barriers to entering the sector.
Why Apply for the OFC Scholars Programme?
The programme provides participants with an opportunity to engage with people working across agriculture, food production, research, business and related sectors.
Beyond attending the conference, scholars can gain experience through leadership development, industry engagement, peer learning and professional networking.
The experience can be particularly valuable for young people seeking to understand the changing food and farming landscape and develop their ability to contribute to future agricultural and food-system challenges.
How to apply