Applications are now open for the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Scholars Programme 2027, a professional development and networking opportunity for young people under 30 interested in agriculture, food, farming, business, science, technology and related sectors.
The 2027 programme marks the 25th anniversary of the OFC Scholars initiative and is being delivered in partnership with M&S Food and Severn Trent Water.
The programme combines in-person development events, online sessions and participation in the Oxford Farming Conference 2027, which will take place in Oxford from 6–8 January 2027.
Importantly, applicants do not need to have studied agriculture or currently work in the agricultural sector. OFC says it welcomes people from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds, including individuals who have not studied agri-food subjects.
Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 at a Glance
- Programme: Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027
- Host: Oxford Farming Conference (OFC)
- Location: Oxford, United Kingdom, with online activities
- Programme dates: November 2026 – January 2027
- Main conference: 6–8 January 2027
- Eligibility: Young people under 30
- Number of standard Scholar places: 22
- Breaking Barriers places: 8
- Standard Scholar programme cost: £1,000 + VAT
- Travel: Not included in the standard programme cost
- Application deadline: 5:00 PM, Friday, 16 October 2026
What Is the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme?
The OFC Scholars Programme is designed to help develop the next generation of people who can contribute to agriculture, food and related industries.
Rather than being simply a conference attendance opportunity, the programme provides participants with opportunities for:
- Professional development
- Leadership and skills training
- Peer-to-peer networking
- Online learning
- In-person events
- Exposure to agricultural and food-sector leaders
- Participation in the Oxford Farming Conference
The 2027 edition will use a hybrid format, combining two in-person gatherings, bespoke online sessions and attendance at the main Oxford Farming Conference in January.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes young people from a broad range of backgrounds.
Applicants should:
- Be under 30 years old.
- Have not previously attended the Oxford Farming Conference.
- Have an interest in agriculture, food, farming or related areas.
- Be able to participate in the programme activities.
A specific agricultural degree is not required.
OFC specifically welcomes people from outside the traditional agriculture sector, including those who have not studied an agri-food subject.
This means people with backgrounds in areas such as business, technology, environmental studies, economics, communications, science, engineering and other related disciplines may also be relevant.
What Does the Programme Include?
Successful Scholars will take part in a combination of professional development, networking and conference activities.
The programme includes:
- Two in-person development and networking events.
- Bespoke online sessions.
- Peer-to-peer networking.
- Skills development training.
- Full participation in the Oxford Farming Conference 2027.
- Two nights of accommodation.
- Chair’s Welcome Reception.
- Oxford Union Debate.
- Christ Church dinner.
- Opportunities to interact with people working across food, farming and related sectors.
The programme is designed to help participants build professional relationships and develop skills that can support their future careers.
Oxford Farming Conference 2027
The main conference will take place in Oxford from:
6–8 January 2027
Scholars will attend the live conference as part of the programme and participate in activities designed to encourage networking, knowledge exchange and professional development.
The 2027 conference will bring together people working across agriculture, food and related areas.
22 Standard Scholar Places
The standard Scholars Programme will select 22 individuals.
Unlike some scholarship programmes where individuals apply independently, the standard OFC Scholars Programme uses a sponsor-led application model.
A sponsor, organization or group can nominate a specific young person for a Scholar place.
The application must identify the proposed Scholar and explain who they are and how they would benefit from participating in the programme. OFC Directors will then review the applications and select the Scholars.
Is the £1,000 Programme Fully Funded?
There is an important distinction applicants should understand.
The standard Scholars Programme has a cost of £1,000 excluding VAT per Scholar. This cost is paid by the sponsoring organization, group or individual rather than being a cash award paid to the Scholar.
The £1,000 programme cost includes:
- Two nights of accommodation.
- Chair’s Welcome Reception.
- Oxford Union Debate.
- Christ Church dinner.
- Conference participation.
- Scholar programme activities.
However, travel costs are not included.
Sponsors are therefore expected to make additional arrangements for travel expenses associated with the programme and January 2027 conference.
Breaking Barriers Scholarship 2027
There is also a separate Breaking Barriers Scholarship for 2027.
Eight places will be fully funded by OFC, Severn Trent Water and M&S.
Unlike the standard Scholars Programme, individuals apply directly for Breaking Barriers rather than being nominated by an organization or sponsor.
The Breaking Barriers opportunity is specifically for young people who:
- Are under 30.
- Have an interest in food, farming or agriculture.
- Have experienced significant and identifiable barriers to accessing the sector.
- Are able to attend the programme and conference activities.
- Are residents of the UK.
Important: The Breaking Barriers application is only open to UK residents.
The eight successful participants will receive the full OFC Scholars Programme plus additional Breaking Barriers activities.
Do You Need an Agriculture Degree?
No.
One of the notable features of the 2027 programme is that applicants do not need to have studied agriculture.
OFC welcomes individuals from non-traditional backgrounds and people who have not studied agri-food subjects.
For example, candidates with experience or education in areas such as:
- Technology
- Business
- Science
- Environmental studies
- Economics
- Communications
- Engineering
- Sustainability
- Food systems
may have relevant perspectives to contribute.
Programme Schedule
The announced 2027 schedule includes the following activities:
| Activity | Date |
| Applications Open | 17 September 2026 |
| Applications Close | 16 October 2026 |
| OFC Shortlisting | Week commencing 19 October 2026 |
| Candidates Notified | Week commencing 26 October 2026 |
| Supply Chain Day, London | 12 November 2026 |
| Primary Production Day, Harper Adams, Shropshire | 25 November 2026 |
| Online Webinars | 12 November – 12 December 2026 |
| Oxford Farming Conference 2027 | 6–8 January 2027 |
Breaking Barriers participants also have an additional gathering scheduled for 24 November 2026.
Application Deadline
The official OFC announcement states that applications close at:
5:00 PM on Friday, 16 October 2026.
Prospective applicants and sponsors should submit their applications before the deadline.
Important Information for International Applicants
The standard Scholars Programme information does not state that applicants must be UK residents. OFC says the programme welcomes a broad diversity of geographical backgrounds and individuals from outside the agriculture sector.
However, prospective international participants should carefully consider the programme’s in-person attendance requirements.
The programme includes activities in London, Shropshire and Oxford, and travel costs are not included in the standard £1,000 programme fee.
The separate Breaking Barriers Scholarship is explicitly restricted to UK residents.
Applicants should therefore review the official terms and make sure they can meet any travel, attendance and immigration requirements that apply to their circumstances.
Why Consider the OFC Scholars Programme?
The programme provides participants with opportunities to:
- Attend a major UK agricultural conference.
- Meet professionals and emerging leaders.
- Develop professional and leadership skills.
- Participate in networking activities.
- Learn from people working across agriculture and food systems.
- Build relationships with other young professionals.
- Explore career opportunities within agriculture and related sectors.
- Gain exposure to different perspectives and ideas.
- Participate in discussions about the future of food and farming.
The programme’s openness to people outside traditional agricultural backgrounds also makes it relevant to young professionals whose work connects agriculture with other sectors.
How to Apply for the OFC Scholars Programme 2027
For the standard Scholars Programme, a sponsor, organization or group must apply on behalf of a named Scholar.
The application should provide information about the proposed Scholar and explain how the person would benefit from the programme.
The application will then be reviewed by the Oxford Farming Conference Directors.
For the Breaking Barriers Scholarship, applicants apply directly to OFC. However, this route is restricted to UK residents who meet the specific Breaking Barriers criteria.
Applicants and potential sponsors should visit the official Oxford Farming Conference website for the application forms and full programme information:
OXFORD FARMING CONFERENCE SCHOLARS PROGRAMME 2027 – OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Disclaimer: OpportunityShape is sharing this opportunity for informational and educational purposes only. We are not the organizer of the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme and do not guarantee selection, funding, admission, or participation. Applicants should carefully review the official programme requirements, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application instructions before applying.
Always use the official application link provided by the programme when submitting your application. OpportunityShape does not charge applicants any fee to access or apply for this opportunity.
