The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Scholars Programme 2027 is now preparing to welcome a new group of young people to one of the UK’s leading agricultural conferences, offering participants an opportunity to develop professional skills, build valuable networks and engage directly with leaders and emerging voices across agriculture, food, business, science, technology and related sectors.

The 2027 programme is particularly significant because it marks 25 years since the OFC Scholars Programme began. For its 2027 edition, the programme is being delivered in partnership with Severn Trent Water and M&S, introducing a hybrid programme combining in-person gatherings, online learning and participation in the live Oxford Farming Conference in January 2027.

Importantly, the programme is not restricted to people who have studied agriculture or currently work within the farming sector. OFC says it welcomes individuals from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds, as well as people with diverse geographical and academic experiences. Applicants who have never studied an agri-food subject are also encouraged to be considered.

The programme is designed to help develop the future generations of agricultural and related-sector leaders, while giving Scholars access to peer networking, skills development, professional exposure and the opportunity to participate in discussions surrounding the future of agriculture.

What Is the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme?

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Scholars Programme is an initiative designed to support and develop young people who have the potential to contribute to the future of agriculture and related industries.

Rather than simply providing conference attendance, the programme combines the main OFC conference experience with a wider programme of learning and networking activities.

The 2027 programme will use a hybrid model, meaning Scholars will participate through a mixture of:

• In-person professional and educational events.
• Online bespoke sessions.
• Peer-to-peer networking.
• Skills development activities.
• The live Oxford Farming Conference.
• Exposure to people and organisations involved in agriculture and associated sectors.

The programme is intended to provide participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives while developing practical skills that can support their future careers and leadership ambitions.

Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 Highlights

The 2027 programme offers a number of significant benefits to successful Scholars.

Key features include:

• Participation in the Oxford Farming Conference 2027.
• Full conference access.
• Two nights of accommodation.
• Meals associated with the conference programme.
• Attendance at the Chair’s Welcome Reception.
• Participation in the Oxford Union Debate.
• Attendance at the Christ Church dinner.
• Two dedicated in-person development and networking events.
• Bespoke online webinars.
• Peer-to-peer networking opportunities.
• Skills development training.
• Exposure to agricultural and food-sector leaders.
• Opportunities to meet people from different professional, geographical and academic backgrounds.
• The opportunity to become part of the OFC Scholars community.

The programme is limited to a defined number of participants, making the application and selection process competitive.

How Many Scholars Will Be Selected?

For the standard Scholars Programme, 22 individuals will be selected.

These places are funded by individual sponsors, who must nominate a proposed Scholar through the application process.

In addition to the 22 standard Scholar places, the 2027 programme will include 8 Breaking Barriers places.

The Breaking Barriers places are being funded by OFC, Severn Trent Water and M&S and have a separate application arrangement.

This means the 2027 programme is designed to provide opportunities for a broader range of young people, including individuals who may not traditionally have had access to major agricultural conferences or professional networks.

Previous Oxford Farming Conference Attendance

Applicants must also not have previously attended the Oxford Farming Conference.

The Scholars Programme is intended to introduce new participants to the conference and provide them with an opportunity to experience OFC for the first time.

Therefore, someone who has previously attended the Oxford Farming Conference would not meet the stated requirement for the standard Scholars Programme.

Do You Need an Agriculture Degree to Apply?

No specific agricultural academic qualification is stated as a requirement.

This is one of the programme’s key features.

OFC explicitly encourages applications from people who have not studied agri-food subjects and says the programme welcomes individuals from outside the agriculture sector.

This means that people with backgrounds in areas such as business, technology, science, policy, environmental studies, communications, economics, engineering and other disciplines may potentially be relevant to the programme, provided they meet the stated requirements and are put forward through the appropriate application route.

The emphasis is therefore broader than academic agricultural qualifications alone.

Who Can Sponsor a Scholar?

The standard Scholars Programme uses a sponsor-led application model.

According to OFC, any sponsor, organisation or group can apply for a Scholar place.

The application must identify the proposed Scholar and provide information explaining:

1. Who the proposed Scholar is.
2. Their background and experience.
3. Why they are suitable for the opportunity.
4. How they are expected to benefit from participating in the programme.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to organisations, businesses, professional groups and other bodies that want to support the development of a promising young person.

How Does the Sponsorship and Funding Process Work?

The standard Scholar places are fully funded by the applicant/sponsor.

Sponsors submit an application on behalf of their proposed Scholar.

The applications are then reviewed by the OFC Directors, with successful candidates offered a place on the programme.

Importantly, a place is not confirmed until payment has been received.

After an application is successful, the sponsoring organisation, group or individual will receive information about registration and payment.

How Much Does the OFC Scholars Programme Cost?

The cost of a Scholar place for OFC 2027 is:

£1,000 excluding VAT

The £1,000 cost includes a substantial package of conference-related benefits.

According to the programme information, this includes:

• Two nights’ accommodation.
• The Chair’s Welcome Reception.
• The Oxford Union Debate.
• The iconic Christ Church dinner.
• Conference participation and associated Scholar activities.

Travel costs are not included

Sponsors should be aware that travel expenses are not included in the £1,000 fee.

Additional funding should therefore be set aside for travel associated with:

• The in-person Scholar events.
• The January 2027 Oxford Farming Conference.

Sponsors are expected to liaise directly with their Scholars regarding travel costs and reimbursement arrangements.

OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Schedule

The 2027 programme includes several stages, beginning with applications in September 2026 and culminating in the Oxford Farming Conference in January 2027.

Here is the announced timetable:

The dates for the online webinars will be confirmed with successful candidates.

Breaking Barriers additional event

Breaking Barriers participants have an additional gathering scheduled for:

24 November 2026

Application Deadline for the OFC Scholars Programme 2027

The stated application deadline is:

5pm on Friday, 16 October 2026

Applicants and sponsoring organisations should ensure that applications are submitted before the stated closing time.

Important: The supplied programme information contains one reference to “16th October 2027” when describing the application deadline, but the programme schedule and the rest of the announcement identify the deadline as Friday, 16 October 2026. Since applications open in September 2026 and shortlisting takes place in October 2026, 16 October 2026 appears to be the intended deadline.

Prospective applicants should nevertheless verify the deadline on the official OFC application page before submitting.

What Happens After Applications Close?

After applications close, the Oxford Farming Conference Directors will review the submitted applications.

The announced selection process is:

1. Applications close

Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline of 5pm on Friday, 16 October 2026.

2. OFC reviews applications

The OFC Directors will shortlist applications during the week commencing 19 October 2026.

3. Candidates are notified

Applicants are expected to be notified during the week commencing 26 October 2026.

4. Successful Scholars participate in the programme

Successful Scholars will then begin taking part in the scheduled programme of in-person events, online sessions and the January conference.

First In-Person Scholar Event: Supply Chain Day in London

The first major in-person Scholar gathering is scheduled for:

12 November 2026

This event will be a Supply Chain Day in London.

It forms part of the programme’s broader objective of exposing Scholars to different aspects of the agricultural and food system.

The supply chain perspective is particularly relevant to a programme that seeks to attract participants from diverse sectors rather than focusing exclusively on primary agricultural production.

Second In-Person Scholar Event: Primary Production Day

The second in-person event will take place on:

25 November 2026

at Harper Adams University in Shropshire.

This will be a Primary Production Day, giving Scholars another perspective on the agricultural system.

Together, the London Supply Chain Day and Harper Adams Primary Production Day are intended to give participants exposure to different parts of the agricultural and food landscape.

Online Webinars

Alongside the physical gatherings, Scholars will have access to bespoke online sessions.

The online webinars will be hosted between:

12 November and 12 December 2026

The precise schedule will be confirmed with successful candidates.

These online sessions are part of the hybrid structure of the 2027 programme and provide additional opportunities for learning, discussion and engagement without requiring participants to travel for every activity.

Attending the Oxford Farming Conference 2027

The main event of the programme will be the Oxford Farming Conference 2027, taking place from:

6–8 January 2027

Successful Scholars will attend the live conference in Oxford as part of their programme.

This gives Scholars the opportunity to experience one of the UK’s major agricultural conferences while connecting with other delegates, speakers, professionals and sector leaders.

The conference experience is combined with the wider Scholar development programme, making the opportunity more than simply a conference ticket.

What Does the OFC 2027 Conference Experience Include?

The Scholar package includes access to several important conference activities.

These include:

• The Chair’s Welcome Reception.
• The Oxford Union Debate.
• The Christ Church dinner.
• Two nights of accommodation.
• Conference participation.
• Other activities included within the Scholar programme.

The programme is therefore structured to provide Scholars with both professional development and social/networking opportunities during their time at OFC.

Breaking Barriers Places

In addition to the 22 standard Scholar places, the 2027 programme includes 8 Breaking Barriers places.

These places are being funded by:

• Oxford Farming Conference.
• Severn Trent Water.
• M&S.

The Breaking Barriers programme has a dedicated application route, meaning people interested in this pathway should follow the specific Breaking Barriers application instructions rather than assuming that the standard sponsor-led process applies.

Breaking Barriers participants will also have an additional gathering on:

24 November 2026.

The announcement indicates that further information about the Breaking Barriers route is provided in its dedicated section.

Why the Programme Is Significant for Young Professionals

The OFC Scholars Programme is designed around more than attendance at a single conference.

It provides participants with a structured opportunity to:

1. Develop professional skills.
2. Build relationships with peers.
3. Engage with people from different backgrounds.
4. Gain exposure to the agricultural supply chain.
5. Learn about primary production.
6. Participate in online learning sessions.
7. Attend a major agricultural conference.
8. Experience professional networking in a high-level conference environment.
9. Exchange ideas and perspectives with other emerging professionals.
10. Develop relationships that may support future leadership and career development.

The programme’s willingness to welcome people from outside traditional agricultural backgrounds also makes it relevant to individuals working at the intersection of agriculture with other disciplines and industries.

Can Someone From Outside Agriculture Apply?

Yes.

This is explicitly encouraged.

OFC states that the programme welcomes people from outside the agriculture sector, including individuals who have not studied agri-food subjects.

This is particularly relevant for young professionals whose work intersects with agriculture without being traditionally classified as agricultural employment.

For example, individuals working in related areas could potentially bring perspectives from their own disciplines into discussions about the future of agriculture and food systems.

What Sponsors Need to Know

Organisations or groups considering supporting a young person through the programme should pay attention to several important points.

Sponsorship requirements

The sponsor must:

• Submit the application.
• Name the proposed Scholar.
• Explain who the individual is.
• Explain how the individual would benefit from the programme.
• Fund the Scholar place if the application is successful.
• Consider additional travel funding.

Programme cost

The standard cost is:

£1,000 + VAT per Scholar.

Travel

Travel expenses are not included.

Sponsors should therefore budget separately for travel to the two away-day events and the January 2027 conference.

Confirmation

A successful application does not become a confirmed place until the required payment has been received.

Key Dates at a Glance

For easy reference, prospective applicants and sponsors should note the following dates:

17 September 2026 — Applications open.

16 October 2026 at 5pm — Applications close.

Week commencing 19 October 2026 — OFC shortlisting.

Week commencing 26 October 2026 — Candidates notified.

12 November 2026 — Supply Chain Day in London.

24 November 2026 — Additional Breaking Barriers gathering.

25 November 2026 — Primary Production Day at Harper Adams, Shropshire.

12 November–12 December 2026 — Online webinars.

6–8 January 2027 — Oxford Farming Conference 2027.

6 January 2027, 1pm–1:30pm — Optional familiarisation session for first-time delegates.

How to Apply for the OFC Scholars Programme 2027

The application process depends on which part of the programme an applicant is seeking to access.

For the standard Scholars Programme, a sponsor, organisation or group must submit an application naming the proposed Scholar.

The application should demonstrate who the individual is and explain how participation in the programme would benefit them.

The application is then reviewed by the OFC Directors.

APPLY HERE

For the Breaking Barriers route, applicants should use the dedicated Breaking Barriers application process because it operates separately from the standard sponsor-led route.

Prospective applicants should use the official OFC application information and carefully check the relevant instructions before submitting an application.

Application deadline: 5pm, Friday 16 October 2026.

Read Full Details About This Opportunity HERE

What Successful Scholars Can Expect

A successful Scholar can expect to participate in a programme that combines:

Professional development

Training and bespoke sessions designed to support the development of future leaders.

Networking

Peer-to-peer interaction with other young professionals and engagement with people from different sectors.

Agricultural exposure

Opportunities to explore both supply chains and primary production.

Conference participation

Attendance at the Oxford Farming Conference from 6–8 January 2027.

Social and cultural experiences

Participation in events such as the Chair’s Welcome Reception, Oxford Union Debate and Christ Church dinner.

Online engagement

Access to bespoke webinars taking place between November and December 2026.

Together, these elements create a structured development experience rather than a standalone conference attendance opportunity.

CONCLUSION

The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 represents a significant professional development opportunity for young people interested in agriculture and its wider connections with business, technology, science, policy, food systems and other sectors.

Its 25th anniversary year adds particular significance to the 2027 programme, while the partnership with Severn Trent Water and M&S introduces new support for the programme and its Breaking Barriers pathway.

Perhaps one of the most notable features is the programme’s openness to people who do not come from traditional agricultural backgrounds. Applicants do not need to have studied agriculture or an agri-food subject, and OFC actively welcomes people from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds.

Successful Scholars will receive access to a combination of professional development, networking, online learning, in-person events and participation in the Oxford Farming Conference, including accommodation and major conference events within the £1,000 + VAT programme fee.

For anyone considering applying through a sponsoring organisation, the key date to remember is 5pm on Friday, 16 October 2026. Sponsors should also budget separately for travel because travel costs are not included in the programme fee.

With only 22 standard Scholar places and 8 Breaking Barriers places, prospective applicants and sponsoring organisations should review the requirements carefully and submit their applications within the stated timeframe.

Discover more global Scholarship opportunities on OFY HERE