OFC Inspire Programme opens doors for farming's future leaders

Food and farming professionals are being offered the chance to attend the Oxford Farming Conference for the first time through its Inspire Programme.

Applications are open until 14 September for the initiative, which is aimed at people aged 30 to 45 working across the rural, food and farming sectors.

REAL Success is supporting the programme alongside BASF Agricultural Solutions, with successful applicants receiving an away day, a place at the January 2027 conference and additional support from programme partners.

Paul Harris, managing director at REAL Success, said: “The greatest opportunity for British agriculture lies in its people, and we believe the next generation holds the key for the future of farming.”

Successful applicants will be selected on merit and will take part in an away day on 16-17 November 2026.

The event is designed to help delegates build connections before the conference and prepare them to make the most of the wider OFC experience.

Managed and delivered by the OFC, the Inspire Programme focuses on professional development, leadership and relationship-building across the industry.

Mr Harris said: “By investing in the candidates' confidence, self-awareness, relationships and leadership, we can create an industry which allows people and businesses to thrive.”

Delegates will also meet and hear from leaders from across the agri-food sector, including people working in business, the media and the supply chain.

The programme is intended to give participants a broader view of leadership and expose them to experiences beyond their day-to-day roles.

OFC director and Inspire Programme lead Kelly Hewson-Fisher took part in the programme in 2022.

She said: “Having been a delegate on this programme in 2022, I can vouch for its success in aligning with the conference mission of challenge, inspire and include.”

This year’s away day will include talks from leaders across the agri-food sector as well as industry visits.

Ms Hewson-Fisher said: “We have a fantastic agenda planned for our November event with inspiring leaders from across the agri-food sector, along with exciting visits that will really challenge delegates.”

She added: “We are grateful to our partners BASF and REAL Success for their support and for the knowledge and experience they bring to the programme.”

Applicants must be aged between 30 and 45, be actively involved in the rural, food or farming sector and must not have previously attended the Oxford Farming Conference.

They must also be available for the Inspire Programme away day on 16-17 November 2026 and the Oxford Farming Conference from 6-8 January 2027.

Applications close on 14 September 2026 and can be made online.