The Oxford Farming Conference extends bursary and scholarship programme for 2023 event.
- The 2023 Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) will support more than 40 individuals through bursaries and scholarships offering fully funded tickets, mentoring, and contributions to travel and accommodation
With a strong focus on networking and social activities, ensuring the event is as inclusive and accessible as possible, these scholarships and bursaries will align with OFC’s charitable objectives. As part of a commitment to inform, challenge and inspire, the opportunities will enable those who may otherwise face social or economic barriers, the ability to experience one of the UK’s leading agricultural events.
Taking place from the 4 to 6 January 2023, the event will focus on “Farming a New Future”, exploring systemic solutions to the cumulative biodiversity, climate, food and energy crises, with optimism and determination not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Commenting on the scholarships and bursaries, OFC 2023 Chair, Emily Norton said,
“The ongoing successes of the alumni from the Scholars, Emerging Leaders and now Inspire bursary programmes is a testament to the importance of giving the next generation confidence to belong in an environment that can seem remote and intimidating.
“Bursaries widen the pool of talent we can bring into the conversation at Oxford, and give those individuals a chance to inspire us and learn from each other at the conference. After all, the world is run by the people who show up – if these bursaries enable even a handful of curious, innovative and alternative thinkers to have the confidence to contribute even a little bit more, then we stand a chance of creating the future we want.”
New this year, the OFC bursary is awarded to individuals who are actively working in the food, farming and agricultural sector, or with an evidenced pathway to enter the industry.
Supported by NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, the Royal Agricultural Society of England, Roythornes Solicitors and Grow Up Farms, successful applicants will receive a fully funded ticket to the conference in January 2023 and can request a contribution to travel and accommodation.
OFC is encouraging applications from individuals who may have recently moved to the UK as a result of conflict overseas.
There are more than 20 bursaries available.
The Inspire Programme enables ambitious 18 professionals from across the rural and agri-food sector to attend the OFC for the first time.
Selected on merit, they will receive a fully funded ticket to the conference in January plus accommodation and dinners, a pre-conference event in December 2022, and the opportunity to develop their network and leadership skills, with support from industry bodies and professionals, including programme sponsor TIAH.
To apply for a bursary or scholarship, visit www.ofc.org.uk. Applications close on 30 September 2022.
The OFC Scholar programme is funded by agricultural organisations, who coordinate their own application process and nominations. To fund a scholar, please contact secretariat@ofc.org.uk
