Apply Now: Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 Opens for Young People

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has opened applications for its 2027 Scholars Programme, giving young people an opportunity to develop professional skills, build networks and engage with leaders across food, farming and related industries.

The 2027 programme marks the 25th anniversary of the OFC Scholars initiative and will be delivered in partnership with Severn Trent Water and M&S Food. It will combine in-person gatherings, online sessions and participation in the Oxford Farming Conference, which will take place from January 6 to 8, 2027.

The programme is designed to bring together young people from a broad range of academic, professional and geographical backgrounds, including those outside traditional agricultural careers.

However, prospective applicants should note an important distinction: while the programme is described in some reports as offering funding of up to £1,000, the main 22 Scholar places are funded by a sponsoring organization, group or individual. The separate Breaking Barriers pathway provides eight fully funded places for eligible UK residents who face significant and identifiable barriers to entering food, farming or agriculture.

What Is the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme?

The Scholars Programme is an initiative of the Oxford Farming Conference aimed at supporting the next generation of people working in and around the food and farming sector.

The programme gives participants access to the Oxford Farming Conference while also providing opportunities to develop skills, exchange ideas with peers and connect with professionals across the industry.

For 2027, the programme will follow a hybrid format, combining two in-person gatherings, bespoke online sessions and attendance at OFC27 in Oxford. The conference itself will center on the theme “Harmony,” with discussions focused on breaking down silos, sharing knowledge and encouraging stronger collaboration across food and farming.

The initiative is also intentionally broader than agriculture alone.

OFC welcomes applicants from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds, including people who have not studied agriculture or agrifood subjects. This means individuals from areas such as business, technology, science, communications, policy and economics may also be considered.

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes young people aged under 30 who have not previously attended the Oxford Farming Conference.

Applicants do not have to be currently working or studying in agriculture for the main Scholars Programme. OFC is specifically seeking people with a wide range of experiences and perspectives who can contribute to conversations about the future of food and farming.

The main Scholar route, however, is different from a conventional scholarship application.

Applicants cannot independently apply for one of the 22 standard Scholar places. Instead, a sponsor, organization or group must nominate a named individual and submit the application on their behalf. The organization sponsoring the place is responsible for the programme fee if the candidate is selected.

What Does the Programme Offer?

Successful Scholars will take part in a programme designed around learning, networking and professional development.

Benefits include access to the full Oxford Farming Conference 2027, two nights of accommodation, meals associated with the programme, the Chair’s Welcome Reception, the Oxford Union Debate and the Christ Church Dinner.

Scholars will also take part in two dedicated in-person development and networking events, alongside bespoke online webinars and skills development opportunities.

The first in-person event, Supply Chain Day, is scheduled for November 12, 2026, in London, while the second, Primary Production Day, will take place on November 25 in Shropshire.

Online webinars are expected to run between November 12 and December 12, 2026, while the Oxford Farming Conference will take place from January 6 to 8, 2027.

This structure gives participants exposure to different parts of the agricultural sector before they attend the main conference.

How Much Funding Is Available?

The standard Scholars Programme includes 22 places funded by sponsoring organisations, groups or individuals.

For each selected Scholar, the cost is £1,000 excluding VAT. This covers the specified programme package, including two nights of accommodation and the conference-related benefits.

Travel expenses are not included in the £1,000 fee, and sponsors are expected to make separate arrangements for travel costs.

This is an important detail for applicants because the standard programme should not be interpreted as a £1,000 cash grant paid directly to participants.

Instead, it is a sponsored programme place.

Fully Funded Breaking Barriers Scholarship

There is, however, a fully funded pathway available through the OFC Breaking Barriers Scholarship.

For 2027, eight places will be fully funded by the Oxford Farming Conference, Severn Trent Water and M&S Food.

The Breaking Barriers opportunity is specifically designed for young people who face significant and identifiable challenges accessing opportunities within the food, farming and agricultural sector.

Unlike the standard Scholars Programme, individuals apply directly for Breaking Barriers places and do not need a sponsoring organization to nominate them.

Eligible applicants must be residents of the UK. They must also be between 18 and 30 years old, able to attend the full conference and participate in the wider Scholars Programme and its additional Breaking Barriers activities.

This means the fully funded route is particularly relevant to eligible young people in the UK rather than international applicants applying from countries such as Nigeria.

Why the Opportunity Matters

The food and farming sector is changing rapidly.

Climate change, technology, water management, food security, supply-chain pressures, changing consumer expectations and evolving agricultural practices are creating new demands for skills and leadership.

That means the future of agriculture will require people who can bring perspectives from different disciplines.

Someone with a background in technology may contribute to agricultural innovation. A communications professional may help organisations engage communities and consumers more effectively. Someone working in finance or economics can contribute to investment and business development, while people with policy and environmental expertise can help shape responses to emerging challenges.

The Scholars Programme’s willingness to consider people from outside traditional agricultural backgrounds reflects this broader reality.

What Applicants Should Prepare

For the standard Scholar route, sponsoring organisations will need to nominate a specific individual and explain who the proposed Scholar is, what they currently do and how they would benefit from the programme.

The application process asks about the candidate’s current role, occupation or studies, what they hope to gain from the programme and why they have been nominated.

Applicants also need to confirm their availability for the programme’s in-person activities.

For young people hoping to take advantage of the Breaking Barriers pathway, the application will require information about the barriers they have experienced in accessing the food, farming and agricultural sector.

Starting early is important because the programme involves multiple stages and in-person commitments before the January conference.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 close on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The programme will shortlist candidates during the week beginning October 19, with successful candidates expected to be notified during the week beginning October 26.

The first in-person programme activity is scheduled for November 12, 2026, in London.

Interested applicants and sponsoring organisations should review the official Oxford Farming Conference scholarship programme requirements and complete the relevant application before the deadline.

An Opportunity to Build the Future of Food and Farming

The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 offers more than access to a major industry conference.

It provides an opportunity for young people to develop professional skills, meet peers, learn from experienced industry figures and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping food and farming.

For organisations looking to invest in emerging talent, the standard Scholar route also provides a way to nominate and support a young person whose career could benefit from wider exposure and industry connections.

And for eligible UK residents who have faced barriers to entering the sector, the Breaking Barriers Scholarship provides a direct fully funded route into the programme.

With applications closing on October 16, 2026, prospective Scholars and sponsoring organisations should begin preparing their applications early.

Interested applicants should review the eligibility requirements and application process through the official Oxford Farming Conference platform before the deadline.

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