Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027: Fully Funded Leadership Opportunity for Young Agri-Food Changemakers

Deadline: 16 October 2026

Applications are now open for the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Scholars Programme 2027, a prestigious leadership and networking initiative designed to develop the next generation of leaders in agriculture, food systems, and rural innovation. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the programme offers selected scholars the opportunity to attend the UK’s leading agricultural conference while participating in exclusive training, mentoring, and peer-learning experiences.

The hybrid programme runs from November 2026 to January 2027 and culminates with full participation in the Oxford Farming Conference, taking place from 6–8 January 2027 in Oxford, United Kingdom.

About the OFC Scholars Programme

The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme is a charitable initiative that brings together outstanding young people from diverse academic, professional, and geographical backgrounds. The programme is designed to strengthen leadership skills, encourage innovative thinking, and build meaningful connections across the food and farming sectors.

For 2027, OFC is partnering with Severn Trent Water and Marks & Spencer (M&S) to deliver an enhanced programme featuring in-person events, online learning sessions, and access to one of the UK’s most influential agricultural conferences.

Only 30 scholars will be selected, including 22 sponsored scholar places and 8 fully funded Breaking Barriers scholarships.

What Scholars Receive

Successful participants will benefit from a comprehensive leadership experience, including:

• 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

Please note that travel costs are not included for the standard Scholars Programme and should be covered by sponsors.

Who Can Apply?

The Scholars Programme welcomes applicants from a wide range of 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 in the full programme between November 2026 and January 2027

Importantly, applicants do not need to have studied agriculture or currently work within the agri-food industry. OFC actively encourages applications from individuals with non-traditional educational and professional backgrounds who are passionate about the future of food systems.

Programme Schedule

The 2027 Scholars Programme includes several development opportunities before the conference.

Participants are expected to attend all required events throughout the programme.

Sponsored Scholar Places

The main Scholars Programme operates through sponsorship by organisations, businesses, charities, and industry groups. Sponsors nominate a young person whom they believe will benefit from the opportunity.

Each sponsored scholar receives the full programme experience, including conference access, accommodation, training sessions, and networking opportunities. The sponsor covers the programme cost of £1,000 (excluding VAT), while travel expenses remain separate.

The application submitted by the sponsoring organisation should clearly explain the nominee’s potential and how the programme will contribute to their development.

Breaking Barriers Scholarship

Alongside the sponsored places, OFC offers eight fully funded Breaking Barriers Scholarships for young people who have faced significant barriers to entering the food, farming, or agricultural sector.

Unlike the sponsored route, individuals apply directly for Breaking Barriers.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be 18–30 years old
• Be a UK resident
• Have an interest in food, farming, or agriculture
• Be able to attend the complete Scholars Programme
• Be available for the additional Breaking Barriers event on 24 November 2026

Applicants do not need to be studying or employed within agriculture. The programme is specifically designed to improve access for individuals who have experienced identifiable challenges entering the sector.

Why This Programme Matters

The Oxford Farming Conference is widely regarded as the UK’s premier gathering for agricultural leaders, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and food system innovators. Participation provides unparalleled exposure to emerging ideas, industry debates, and influential decision-makers shaping the future of agriculture.

For young professionals, the Scholars Programme offers much more than conference attendance—it provides leadership development, long-term professional networks, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to sustainable food and farming systems.

How to Strengthen Your Application

A competitive application should:

• Demonstrate genuine interest in agriculture or food systems
• Highlight leadership potential and community involvement
• Explain how the programme will influence future career goals
• Show openness to learning from diverse perspectives
• Clearly articulate the impact the opportunity will have on personal and professional development

Application Deadline

The deadline for both the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme and the Breaking Barriers Scholarship is:

16 October 2026 (5:00 PM UK time)

How to Apply

Sponsored scholar applications must be submitted by the sponsoring organisation, while Breaking Barriers applicants should apply directly through the official Oxford Farming Conference application portal.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY