Scheme offers participants the chance to develop their skills and network
The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has opened applications for Inspire, a programme designed to support food and farming professionals to develop their skills and network.
Created to enable ambitious candidates across the rural and agri-food sector to attend OFC for the first time, the programme is credited with leading to career changes and progression, new businesses, collaborations and opportunities for many of the graduates.
The 2026 Inspire Programme will be managed by OFC director David Hill, a graduate of the Inspire programme and estate manager.
“Inspire has developed a reputation for encouraging excellent people in the farming and food sector and giving them the push and confidence to do things that they might not otherwise have done,” he said.
“As is the way with the conference, Inspire brings people together and great things start to happen. You just have to apply and be open to the opportunities.”
In addition to time at the conference, the group receives support from industry bodies and professionals, including programme partners BASF Agricultural Solutions and The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH).
The programme includes two pre-conference Inspire Days in London in November, a full ticket to the 2026 Oxford Farming Conference from 7 to 9 January 2026, themed “Growing Resilience” – including accommodation, Chair’s Welcome Reception, Christ Church Dinner and the OFC Oxford Union Debate – and the opportunity to join a network of over 115 alumni who continue to connect and network post OFC.
Applications are open until 27 August 2025, with more information available here.
