The OFC Scholars Programme 2027 is attracting attention among young people interested in agriculture, food, farming, sustainability and the wider agri-food industry. The programme offers something that many conventional scholarship opportunities do not: rather than simply providing financial support for a course, it connects young participants with a major agricultural conference, professional networks, skills development activities and other emerging leaders.
The 2027 programme is particularly significant because it marks 25 years of the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme. For the new cohort, the programme will combine online learning, in-person gatherings and participation in the Oxford Farming Conference from 6 to 8 January 2027. The programme is being supported by Severn Trent Water and M&S Food.
For anyone searching for an Oxford Farming Conference Scholarship, it is important to understand exactly what the opportunity involves. It is not simply a traditional university scholarship, and not every applicant applies in the same way. The standard Scholars Programme requires a sponsor, organisation or group to nominate a named scholar, while the separate Breaking Barriers Scholarship allows eligible individuals to apply directly.
That distinction could make all the difference to someone preparing an application.
This guide explains the OFC Scholars Programme 2027, including its eligibility requirements, application deadline, benefits, programme structure, funding arrangements, Breaking Barriers opportunity and step-by-step application process.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: What Is the Programme?
The OFC Scholars Programme 2027 is an initiative of the Oxford Farming Conference designed to support young people who are interested in the future of food, farming and agriculture.
The programme is built around more than attending a conference. Participants are given opportunities to meet other young professionals, develop skills, exchange ideas and gain exposure to people working across different areas of the agricultural and food industries.
According to the Oxford Farming Conference, the 2027 programme is designed to give young people opportunities for peer-to-peer networking, sharing views and ideas, and key skills development.
The programme also deliberately reaches beyond traditional agricultural education.
This is important because someone interested in agriculture does not necessarily need to have studied agriculture at university or come from a farming family.
The official programme information specifically welcomes people from:
- Agriculture
- Food production
- Food systems
- Environmental fields
- Sustainability
- Business
- Technology
- Other non-traditional sectors
- Academic backgrounds outside agri-food
The OFC says applicants can come from a broad range of geographical and academic experiences, including people who have not studied agri-food subjects.
In other words, the Oxford Farming Scholarship 2027 is not designed exclusively for someone who has already spent years working on a farm.
That wider approach is one of the most interesting features of the opportunity.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Why Is the 2027 Edition Special?
The OFC Scholars Programme 2027 represents an important milestone because the initiative is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The programme has developed over the years as the agricultural industry itself has changed. Modern agriculture now intersects with technology, environmental management, food security, supply chains, data, business, sustainability and consumer behaviour.
The 2027 programme reflects this broader understanding of agriculture.
OFC has announced M&S Food and Severn Trent Water as new programme partners for 2027, alongside the organisation’s continued focus on supporting future generations in the sector.
The 2027 cohort will consist of:
| OFC Scholars Programme 2027 opportunity | Number of places | How candidates apply | Key funding information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Scholars Programme | 22 | Sponsor, organisation or group applies on behalf of a named person | Sponsored place; £1,000 + VAT cost to sponsoring applicant |
| Breaking Barriers Scholarship | 8 | Eligible individuals apply directly to OFC | Fully funded |
| Total programme places | 30 | Two different application routes | Funding arrangements differ |
The distinction between these two routes is extremely important.
Someone searching for an OFC Scholarship 2027 may see references to a fully funded opportunity online and assume that every place operates in exactly the same way.
That is not the case.
The 22 standard Scholar places are funded by sponsoring organisations, groups or individuals who apply on behalf of a named scholar. The cost listed by OFC for a standard Scholar is £1,000 excluding VAT, and travel expenses are not included.
The eight Breaking Barriers places, however, are fully funded and are designed for eligible young people who have experienced significant and identifiable barriers to entering the food, farming and agricultural sector. Those applicants apply directly to OFC.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: 10 Powerful Benefits
One of the strongest reasons to consider the OFC Scholars Programme 2027 is that its value goes beyond a conference ticket.
Participants receive access to a combination of professional development, networking, learning and industry exposure.
Here are ten major benefits to understand.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Benefit 1: Attend the Oxford Farming Conference
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the opportunity to participate in the Oxford Farming Conference itself.
The 2027 conference will take place from 6 to 8 January 2027 in Oxford and online.
For a young person trying to understand where agriculture is heading, being exposed to conversations involving farmers, agricultural professionals, businesses, researchers, policymakers and other industry participants can provide a much broader perspective than classroom learning alone.
The conference can also introduce Scholars to different career possibilities.
Someone who initially thinks of agriculture as simply crop production or livestock farming may discover opportunities involving:
- Agricultural technology
- Food supply chains
- Sustainability
- Environmental management
- Farm business
- Data and digital agriculture
- Food policy
- Research
- Agricultural finance
- Land management
- Innovation
- Food production
- Water management
That broader exposure can be particularly valuable for someone still deciding where their career interests lie.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Benefit 2: Build Professional Networks
Networking is another central feature of the programme.
For young professionals, meeting the right people at the right stage of a career can be extremely valuable.
The programme is specifically designed around peer-to-peer networking and relationships between participants.
Instead of simply attending a large event and leaving after a few days, Scholars participate in activities before the main conference.
That creates opportunities to develop relationships gradually.
Networking can involve:
- Meeting other Scholars
- Talking with agricultural professionals
- Learning about different career paths
- Sharing experiences
- Discussing ideas
- Discovering organisations working in the sector
- Developing professional relationships
The value of networking is not necessarily immediate.
A conversation during a conference may lead to another conversation months later. A fellow Scholar may eventually become a colleague, collaborator, mentor or professional contact.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Benefit 3: Develop Leadership Skills
The OFC Scholars Programme 2027 is also intended to help develop future leaders.
Leadership does not simply mean becoming a manager.
It can involve communicating ideas, listening to others, understanding different perspectives, contributing to discussions and developing confidence when working with people from different professional backgrounds.
The programme’s combination of training, networking and conference participation provides an environment in which young participants can practise these skills.
For someone early in their career, these experiences can complement formal education and workplace experience.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Benefit 4: Gain Industry Exposure
Another important advantage is exposure to the wider agricultural ecosystem.
Agriculture is a complicated industry involving many connected systems.
A farmer may depend on suppliers, financial institutions, machinery providers, food companies, transport networks, environmental regulations and markets.
Likewise, a person working in food technology may need to understand farming practices and supply chains.
The Oxford Farming Conference Scholarship therefore has potential value for people who want to understand agriculture beyond one particular job.
The programme can help participants see how different parts of the industry connect.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Benefit 5: Participate in In-Person Gatherings
The programme is not entirely virtual.
For 2027, OFC has announced two major in-person gatherings before the conference:
- 12 November 2026: Supply Chain Day in London
- 25 November 2026: Primary Production Day at Harper Adams in Shropshire
Online webinars will also be hosted between 12 November and 12 December 2026.
This combination creates a hybrid experience.
Participants can learn through online sessions while also having opportunities for face-to-face interaction.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Benefit 6: Explore Supply Chains
The Supply Chain Day provides another layer to the programme.
Agriculture does not end when a crop leaves a farm.
Food travels through complex networks involving processing, transportation, retail, logistics, technology and consumers.
Understanding those connections can help participants appreciate where opportunities and challenges exist within the modern food system.
For someone interested in agriculture but not necessarily in becoming a farmer, this can be particularly useful.
A person with a background in business, technology, engineering, environmental science or economics may find that the agricultural supply chain offers career possibilities they had not previously considered.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Benefit 7: Learn About Primary Production
The second in-person gathering focuses on primary production.
This provides a different perspective from supply chains.
Primary production includes the activities through which agricultural products are produced in the first place.
Exposure to this area can help Scholars understand how farming decisions influence the rest of the food system.
The combination of supply chain and primary production activities is therefore significant because participants can see two sides of the same system.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Benefit 8: Attend Major Conference Events
The programme includes access to significant elements of OFC27.
The official programme information specifically mentions the:
- Chair’s Welcome Reception
- Oxford Union Debate
- Christ Church Dinner
as part of the Scholar experience.
These are more than social events.
They create opportunities for participants to interact with other attendees in less formal environments.
Professional relationships often develop through informal conversations as much as through presentations.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Benefit 9: Become Part of a Young Professional Community
Being selected as a Scholar can also mean becoming part of a cohort of people at a similar stage in their careers.
That can be valuable because early-career professionals sometimes struggle to find peers who understand their ambitions and challenges.
The Scholar community provides a shared environment where participants can:
- Exchange ideas
- Discuss career ambitions
- Compare experiences
- Build friendships
- Learn from different backgrounds
- Encourage one another
The programme’s emphasis on diverse experiences means participants may not all approach agriculture from the same direction.
That diversity can make discussions more interesting and expose participants to perspectives they would not encounter in their usual environment.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Benefit 10: Develop a Broader View of Agriculture
Perhaps the most lasting benefit is the opportunity to rethink what agriculture actually means.
Agriculture is no longer simply about producing food.
It is connected to:
- Climate and environmental issues
- Water
- Technology
- Food security
- Business
- Rural communities
- International markets
- Consumer behaviour
- Sustainability
- Supply chains
- Innovation
The OFC programme’s willingness to welcome people from outside traditional agricultural backgrounds reflects this changing reality.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
Understanding the Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 eligibility requirements is essential before starting an application.
The requirements depend on which route you are considering.
For the standard Scholars Programme, OFC states that Scholars should be under 30 years old and must not have previously attended the conference. The programme welcomes people from agriculture and from non-traditional backgrounds, including people who have not studied agri-food subjects.
The standard application, however, is not submitted by the candidate alone.
A sponsor, organisation or group applies on behalf of a named individual.
That means a person who wants to become a standard Scholar may first need to identify an organisation, employer, group or sponsor willing to support their nomination.
This is one of the biggest differences between the main programme and Breaking Barriers.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Eligibility: Does Your Degree Need to Be in Agriculture?
No.
This is an important point for potential applicants who may otherwise dismiss the programme.
The official OFC information explicitly says that applications are welcomed from people who have not studied agri-food subjects.
That means relevant interests or experience may come from areas such as:
- Environmental science
- Business
- Engineering
- Technology
- Economics
- Food science
- Sustainability
- Research
- Communications
- Supply chain management
- Rural development
The wider message is that modern agriculture requires people with different types of expertise.
Someone who has never studied agriculture formally but has a strong interest in food systems or agricultural technology may therefore still fit the programme’s broader approach.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Eligibility: Can Someone Outside Agriculture Apply?
Yes, the main programme explicitly welcomes people from outside traditional agriculture.
The official programme says it encourages applicants from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds.
This is particularly useful for people who are considering moving into agriculture or food-related industries.
For example, imagine someone working in technology who has become interested in precision agriculture.
That person may have no farming qualification, but their technical background could still be relevant to the future of agriculture.
Similarly, someone working in environmental policy, business or supply chain management could have skills that are increasingly important to food and farming.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Eligibility: What Is the Age Requirement?
For the main Scholars Programme, applicants should be under 30 years old.
The Breaking Barriers route is described separately as being open to people aged 18 to 30 years, alongside its other eligibility conditions.
Because programme wording and eligibility conditions can change between application cycles, applicants should always check the official programme information before submitting an application.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Eligibility: What About Previous OFC Attendance?
The main programme is intended for people who have not previously attended the Oxford Farming Conference.
This condition helps ensure the opportunity reaches new participants.
If you have attended OFC before, it is therefore important not to assume that you qualify for the Scholar route simply because you meet the age requirement.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Fully Funded Scholarship: Is It Really Fully Funded?
This is where applicants need to pay close attention.
Searches for Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 fully funded scholarship may produce descriptions that make the programme sound like one single fully funded scholarship.
The actual arrangement is more nuanced.
The eight Breaking Barriers places are fully funded, according to OFC.
The standard 22 Scholar places are funded by the sponsoring applicant. OFC lists the cost for a standard Scholar at £1,000 excluding VAT, covering specified programme elements such as accommodation and meals, but says travel costs are not included.
Therefore:
Breaking Barriers: fully funded for eligible UK residents.
Standard Scholars Programme: sponsor-funded place, with the sponsor paying the stated programme cost; travel is additional.
This distinction is important for anyone researching the Oxford Farming Scholarship 2027 because the phrase “fully funded” should not be interpreted as meaning that every Scholar receives a personal cash scholarship.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: What Does the Standard Scholar Funding Cover?
For the standard Scholar route, OFC states that the £1,000 excluding VAT cost includes:
- Training
- In-person sessions
- Online sessions
- Full conference ticket
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Chair’s Welcome Reception
- Oxford Union Debate
- Christ Church Dinner
Travel is not included.
The official information asks sponsors to set aside additional funds for travel to the away days and the January conference, and to agree reimbursement arrangements directly with their Scholar. (Oxford Farming Conference)
This means potential Scholars should discuss funding arrangements with their sponsor before accepting a place.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Breaking Barriers Scholarship: What Is It?
The Breaking Barriers Scholarship is a special part of the wider OFC Scholars Programme.
For 2027, OFC says it will fully fund eight individuals through the initiative, in partnership with Severn Trent Water and M&S Food.
The programme is aimed at young people who have an interest in food, farming and agriculture but have faced significant and identifiable barriers to entering the sector.
Importantly, applicants do not need to currently work or study in agriculture.
This means the opportunity can be relevant to someone who is interested in entering the sector but has not yet had a conventional pathway into it.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Breaking Barriers Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
The Breaking Barriers requirements are more specific than the general Scholars Programme.
According to OFC, applicants must:
- Be aged between 18 and 30
- Be resident in the UK
- Be able to attend the full two-day conference in Oxford in January 2027
- Be able to attend the full Scholar Programme
- Be able to attend the additional Breaking Barriers day
- Have an interest in food, farming and the agricultural sector
- Have faced significant and identifiable barriers to accessing the sector
OFC states that individuals must apply directly for these eight places rather than applying through an organisation, business or charity.
This makes Breaking Barriers especially important for people who do not have a sponsor available.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Application Deadline: When Is the Deadline?
The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 application deadline is 5pm on Friday, 16 October 2026, according to the official OFC announcement and programme schedule.
There is a small discrepancy worth noting.
The current OFC programme page contains one later sentence that says “Friday 16th October 2027.” However, the same page’s official schedule lists applications closing on 16 October 2026, and OFC’s September 18, 2026 announcement also clearly states 16 October 2026 at 5pm.
Therefore, applicants should treat 16 October 2026 at 5pm as the applicable deadline for the 2027 programme based on the programme schedule and announcement.
Do not wait until the final few hours.
Applications can involve finding a sponsor, preparing information about the proposed Scholar and explaining why the opportunity would benefit the candidate.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Application Deadline: Important Dates to Remember
The application deadline is only one date in the process.
The programme schedule currently published by OFC includes several important milestones.
| Date | OFC Scholars Programme 2027 activity |
|---|---|
| 17 September 2026 | Applications open |
| 16 October 2026 | Applications close at 5pm |
| Week commencing 19 October 2026 | Application shortlisting |
| Week commencing 26 October 2026 | Candidates notified |
| 12 November 2026 | Supply Chain Day in London |
| 25 November 2026 | Primary Production Day at Harper Adams, Shropshire |
| 12 November–12 December 2026 | Online webinars |
| 6–8 January 2027 | Oxford Farming Conference 2027 |
| 24 November 2026 | Additional Breaking Barriers gathering |
The exact schedule should always be checked against the official OFC information because programme arrangements can change.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 how to apply process depends on the route you are pursuing.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 How to Apply: Standard Scholars Route
For the main 22 places, the process works differently from a typical scholarship.
A sponsor, organisation or group must apply on behalf of a named Scholar.
The application should provide information about:
- The proposed Scholar
- Their background
- Their interests
- Their potential
- How they could benefit from the programme
- Why the opportunity is appropriate for them
The applications are then reviewed by OFC Directors.
If selected, the sponsor is given instructions regarding registration and payment.
This means a potential applicant should not simply wait for a personal scholarship form.
Instead, they should think about who could nominate or sponsor them.
Potential sponsors could include:
- Employers
- Professional organisations
- Agricultural businesses
- Industry groups
- Charities
- Community organisations
- Other eligible groups or sponsors
The key is to identify a legitimate organisation or sponsor willing to support the application.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 How to Apply: Breaking Barriers Route
The process is simpler in one important respect.
Breaking Barriers applicants apply directly to OFC.
They do not need a sponsor organisation to submit their application.
The application asks candidates to explain the barriers they have experienced in accessing food, farming and agriculture.
Applicants should therefore prepare thoughtful and honest information rather than simply writing a generic scholarship statement.
The application should help the reviewers understand:
- Who you are
- Why agriculture interests you
- What barriers you have faced
- How those barriers have affected your access to the sector
- What you hope to gain from the programme
- How participation could support your development
The purpose is not simply to list difficulties.
The stronger approach is to explain the connection between your circumstances, your interest in the sector and the opportunity the programme would provide.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 How to Apply: What Should You Prepare?
Even though the application routes differ, preparation can make the process easier.
Before applying, prepare a concise personal profile covering:
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 How to Apply: Your Background
Explain your educational, professional or personal background.
You do not need to make your experience sound more impressive than it is.
A clear explanation is more useful than exaggerated language.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 How to Apply: Your Interest in Agriculture
Explain why food, farming or agriculture interests you.
This could involve:
- Farming
- Food security
- Sustainability
- Agricultural technology
- Climate resilience
- Supply chains
- Rural development
- Food production
- Environmental management
- Agricultural business
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 How to Apply: Your Future Goals
Explain where you hope to go.
For example, you might want to:
- Enter the agricultural industry
- Develop an agricultural business
- Work in food systems
- Move into agri-tech
- Build a career in sustainability
- Work in agricultural research
- Develop leadership skills
- Expand your professional network
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 How to Apply: What You Hope to Gain
Be specific.
Instead of writing:
“I want to gain experience and networking opportunities.”
Explain what you actually hope to learn.
For example:
“I want to understand how agricultural supply chains operate and build relationships with professionals working across food production, technology and sustainability.”
Specificity makes an application easier to understand.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 How to Apply: How Can You Make an Application Stronger?
There is no guaranteed formula for selection.
However, applicants can make their information clearer by connecting their background to the purpose of the programme.
Consider these questions:
- Why agriculture?
- Why now?
- What experience has shaped your interest?
- What problem in agriculture interests you?
- What skills do you want to develop?
- What perspective could you contribute?
- What would participation allow you to do that you cannot easily do now?
Avoid turning the application into a list of achievements with no explanation.
A good application should tell a coherent story.
Your experiences should lead naturally to your interest in the programme.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: What Happens After Applying?
According to the published schedule, OFC plans to shortlist applications during the week beginning 19 October 2026, with candidates expected to be notified during the week beginning 26 October 2026.
Successful Scholars then move into the programme activities.
The first in-person activity is scheduled for 12 November 2026 in London.
The second is scheduled for 25 November 2026 at Harper Adams in Shropshire.
Online webinars are expected between 12 November and 12 December 2026.
The experience culminates with OFC27 in January 2027.
This timeline means successful candidates have several weeks of preparation and engagement before the main conference begins.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: What Happens at the January Conference?
OFC27 will take place from 6 to 8 January 2027.
The conference theme is “Harmony.”
The Scholars will participate in the conference as part of the broader OFC community.
The official programme highlights events including the Chair’s Welcome Reception, Oxford Union Debate and Christ Church Dinner.
This gives Scholars exposure to both formal conference content and social networking opportunities.
For a young participant, the combination can be quite different from attending an ordinary academic event.
There is an opportunity not only to listen but also to meet people, ask questions and develop professional relationships.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: What Makes This Different From a University Scholarship?
The term “scholarship” can create confusion.
A university scholarship typically provides funding toward education, tuition, accommodation or living expenses.
The OFC Scholarship 2027 is different.
It is fundamentally a professional development and conference-based opportunity.
The emphasis is on:
- Networking
- Leadership
- Skills
- Industry exposure
- Conference participation
- Peer learning
- Career development
This distinction matters because applicants should not expect a university degree or tuition award from the programme.
Instead, the value comes from access to an agricultural professional environment.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Standard Scholarship vs Breaking Barriers
The two routes can be confusing, so the following comparison makes the distinction easier to understand.
| Feature | Standard OFC Scholars Programme 2027 | Breaking Barriers 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Places | 22 | 8 |
| Applicant | Sponsor, organisation or group | Individual |
| Direct individual application | No | Yes |
| Age | Under 30 | 18–30 |
| Previous OFC attendance | Not permitted | Not permitted under stated criteria |
| Agriculture degree required | No | No |
| Current agriculture employment required | No | No |
| UK residency | Not stated as a general standard-programme requirement | Required |
| Funding | Sponsor-funded | Fully funded |
| Standard listed cost | £1,000 + VAT | Fully funded |
| Travel | Not included in standard cost | Programme is fully funded under the Breaking Barriers route |
| Main conference | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Breaking Barriers activity | No | Yes |
The table illustrates why applicants should first decide which route applies to them.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Is It Suitable for International Applicants?
This is another area where applicants should be careful.
The standard Scholars Programme information does not state the same UK-residency requirement that applies to Breaking Barriers.
The official information says the main programme welcomes people from diverse geographical backgrounds and includes people outside traditional agriculture. (Oxford Farming Conference)
However, the Breaking Barriers Scholarship specifically requires applicants to be UK residents.
Therefore, someone outside the UK should not assume that Breaking Barriers is available to them simply because they meet the age and interest requirements.
For international readers searching for an Oxford Farming Scholarship 2027, the standard Scholar route and its sponsor-based application structure should be examined separately.
Applicants should also consider whether they can meet travel and attendance requirements.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Can Someone From a Non-Agricultural Background Benefit?
Yes.
In fact, the programme’s published eligibility approach makes this one of its distinctive features.
Agriculture increasingly depends on expertise from outside conventional farming.
Consider the role of:
- Software developers in precision agriculture
- Engineers in agricultural machinery
- Data specialists in farm analytics
- Environmental scientists in sustainable land management
- Economists in agricultural markets
- Business professionals in food supply chains
- Communications specialists in food industries
- Water specialists in agricultural resource management
The agricultural sector does not exist in isolation.
That is why a person entering agriculture from another field can potentially contribute a different perspective.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants should also understand what not to do.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Mistake 1: Assuming Every Place Is Personally Applied For
This is probably the most important mistake.
The standard programme requires a sponsor, organisation or group to apply on behalf of a named person.
Breaking Barriers is the route where individuals apply directly.
Do not confuse the two.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Mistake 2: Calling Every Place Fully Funded
The eight Breaking Barriers places are fully funded.
The standard 22 places have a sponsor-funded cost and do not include travel.
Understanding this difference prevents unrealistic expectations.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Mistake 3: Waiting Until the Deadline
The deadline is 5pm on 16 October 2026.
If you need to identify a sponsor, you should begin that conversation well before the deadline.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Mistake 4: Assuming an Agriculture Degree Is Required
It is not.
The official programme specifically welcomes people who have not studied agri-food subjects.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Mistake 5: Writing a Generic Statement
A generic application saying you “love farming” may not explain what you actually want to achieve.
Connect your background, interests and goals.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Mistake 6: Ignoring Attendance Requirements
The programme involves multiple activities before the January conference.
Applicants should make sure they can participate in the required sessions and events.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: How to Prepare Before the Deadline
If you are interested in applying, preparation can begin immediately.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Preparation Step 1: Identify Your Route
First decide whether you are pursuing:
- A standard Scholar place through a sponsor
- A Breaking Barriers place through direct application
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Preparation Step 2: Write Your Personal Story
Prepare a short explanation of:
- Your background
- Your interests
- Your experience
- Your ambitions
- Your connection to agriculture or food
- Why the programme matters to you
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Preparation Step 3: Research the Conference
Learn about OFC and the 2027 conference.
Understanding what the conference actually does will help you explain why participation matters to your goals.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Preparation Step 4: Check Your Availability
Review the programme schedule carefully.
You should know whether you can attend:
- November activities
- Online sessions
- The January conference
- Any additional Breaking Barriers activity if applicable
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 Preparation Step 5: Apply Before the Deadline
Do not build your entire application around the final day.
Technical problems, missing information or delays from a sponsoring organisation can create unnecessary pressure.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: What Should a Sponsor Look for in a Scholar?
For organisations considering sponsoring a candidate, the programme can also be viewed as a talent-development opportunity.
The application requires the sponsor to name the proposed Scholar and provide insight into who they are and how they will benefit from the opportunity.
A potential Scholar might be someone who:
- Shows genuine interest in agriculture
- Is curious about the future of food systems
- Demonstrates leadership potential
- Is interested in professional development
- Can contribute a distinctive perspective
- Wants to develop industry connections
- Comes from a non-traditional background
- Could benefit significantly from exposure to the sector
The strongest candidate does not necessarily have the longest résumé.
The programme’s emphasis on future generations suggests that potential, curiosity and engagement can be important considerations.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Why Agriculture Needs New Perspectives
One of the deeper ideas behind the programme is that agriculture is changing.
Today’s agricultural challenges are not confined to the farm.
Farmers and food businesses increasingly operate in an environment influenced by:
- Climate pressures
- Water availability
- Technology
- Labour
- Consumer expectations
- International trade
- Food security
- Environmental regulations
- Changing markets
- Digital innovation
These issues require people with different skills.
Someone who understands artificial intelligence may see an agricultural problem differently from someone trained solely in conventional farming.
A supply-chain specialist may identify inefficiencies that others overlook.
An environmental scientist may approach land management from another perspective.
A business graduate may identify commercial opportunities.
That is why programmes that bring people together across disciplines can be useful.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Official Application Information
Applicants should always verify the latest requirements directly with the Oxford Farming Conference before submitting information.
The official OFC Scholars Programme 2027 application and eligibility information contains the programme structure, eligibility requirements, dates, funding arrangements and application routes. (Oxford Farming Conference)
OFC Scholars Programme 2027 — Official Application Information
For broader information about the conference, programme activities and the 2027 event, applicants can also consult the official Oxford Farming Conference website.
Oxford Farming Conference — Official Website
These official pages should be treated as the final reference point if any details change after publication of this article.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: What is it?
The OFC Scholars Programme is a professional development and networking programme connected to the Oxford Farming Conference. The 2027 edition combines online sessions, in-person activities and attendance at OFC27.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: When is the application deadline?
The published deadline is 5pm on Friday, 16 October 2026. The date is confirmed by the OFC announcement and programme schedule.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: How many places are available?
There are 22 standard Scholar places and eight Breaking Barriers places, creating 30 places in the two routes described by OFC.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Is it fully funded?
The eight Breaking Barriers places are fully funded. Standard Scholar places are funded through the sponsoring applicant, with OFC listing a cost of £1,000 excluding VAT. Travel is not included in the standard Scholar cost.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Do I need an agriculture degree?
No. OFC specifically welcomes people who have not studied agri-food subjects.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Can people outside agriculture apply?
Yes. The programme welcomes people from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds who have an interest in food, farming and agriculture.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Can I apply directly for a standard Scholar place?
The standard programme requires a sponsor, organisation or group to apply on behalf of a named Scholar.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Can I apply directly for Breaking Barriers?
Yes. Breaking Barriers candidates apply directly to OFC.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Is Breaking Barriers open internationally?
No. The 2027 Breaking Barriers criteria require applicants to be UK residents.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: When is the conference?
OFC27 is scheduled for 6–8 January 2027.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Where will it take place?
The conference is scheduled in Oxford and online, with additional Scholar activities taking place in London and Shropshire before the main event.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Can someone who attended OFC before apply?
The published Scholar criteria state that applicants must not have previously attended the conference.
OFC Scholars Programme 2027: Final Thoughts
The OFC Scholars Programme 2027 is an opportunity built around something increasingly important in agriculture: connecting people.
Its value is not limited to attending a three-day conference.
The programme begins earlier, with in-person gatherings and online sessions that allow Scholars to build relationships, explore different parts of the food and farming system and develop professional skills.
For young people interested in agriculture, food, sustainability, technology or related industries, the programme can provide an opportunity to see the sector from a wider perspective.
The 2027 edition is particularly notable because it marks 25 years of the Scholars Programme, while also introducing new programme partnerships with M&S Food and Severn Trent Water. (Oxford Farming Conference)
However, prospective applicants need to understand the difference between the two routes.
The standard programme has 22 places and requires a sponsor, organisation or group to apply on behalf of a named individual. The Breaking Barriers route has eight places, is fully funded, and allows eligible individuals to apply directly.
For the 2027 cycle, the key application deadline is 5pm on 16 October 2026.
The most practical next step is therefore to determine which route applies to you, review the eligibility requirements, prepare your personal information and make sure the application is submitted before the deadline.
Agriculture is changing rapidly, and the people entering the sector will help shape what it looks like in the years ahead. The OFC Scholars Programme is designed to give some of those emerging voices a place in that conversation.
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