Programme seeks to find big ideas that will help the farming sector thrive
The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC), in partnership with McCain Foods (GB), has invited applications for its Inspiring Innovators programme, which will return for the 2026 conference.
The programme – launched last year – will give six individuals from across the agricultural, food and rural sectors an opportunity to present their ideas, research or technologies to an audience of more than 700 delegates, including farmers, policymakers, academics and industry leaders. The 2026 event, on 7-9 January, will be themed “Growing Resilience”.
Inspiring Innovators is open to both new ideas and existing concepts that are ready to develop further, with a focus on how they can help the sector adapt and thrive for the future. The selected participants will take to the stage during the opening afternoon of the conference on Wednesday 7 January.
The programme’s debut last year proved to be a highlight of the conference, according to organisers, with participants presenting projects that ranged from insect protein production and sustainable fibre development, to new regenerative certification models, rapid food analysis technology, value-added dairy products and digital tools for connecting farmers with renewable energy developers.
Since participating, members of the inaugural cohort have gone on to establish new partnerships, secure further speaking opportunities and raise the profile of their work both nationally and internationally.
Bootcamp Day
As part of the 2026 programme, each selected innovator will attend a dedicated Bootcamp Day at McCain’s Scarborough facility in November, receiving presentation and communications training, alongside the opportunity to trial their talk ahead of the conference.
Successful applicants will receive a full conference ticket, two nights accommodation and invitations to the Chair’s Reception and the Christ Church Dinner, ensuring maximum opportunity to network and engage with delegates throughout the three days.
Applicants are invited to submit a written proposal of no more than 600 words, explaining their concept or research, how it relates to the “Growing Resilience” theme and why they would like to present it at OFC26. Proposals must be accompanied by a video lasting no longer than three minutes, delivering their “elevator pitch” for the idea or business.
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday 26 September, and more information is available here.
