OFC Inspire Programme 2022 - open for applications

The Council of the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) is delighted to announce the launch of its flagship bursary Inspire Programme. Applications are now open for a deserving cohort of food and farming professionals to join a valuable network and receive a bursary to attend OFC 2022.  

“I GOT A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT FROM THE EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING INSPIRATION, IDEAS AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES. I WAS PROGRESSING A NEW PROJECT AT THE TIME AND IT BOLSTERED MY CONFIDENCE IN TAKING IT FORWARD” - A PREVIOUS EL ATTENDEE   

The OFC Inspire Programme seeks out the best next generation in UK agriculture, securing a place at a group away day in December and at the three-day Oxford Farming Conference in January 2022.  The program replaces the OFC’s previous ‘Emerging Leaders’ initiative. 

Kindly supported by The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH), Emily Norton and Will Evans are the OFC Directors leading the Inspire Programme for 2022 and are very happy to answer any questions about the programme from prospective applicants. 

About Inspire 

The Inspire Programme enables ambitious candidates from across the rural and agri-food sector to attend the Oxford Farming Conference for the first time. In particular, Inspire is intended to provide the opportunity to attend the Conference for those who may otherwise face social or economic barriers to attend.  

Building on the OFC’s successful Scholar programme, Inspire candidates are selected on merit and get to spend an away day together in London before the Conference, building contacts, skills and connections that will enable them to maximise their OFC experience in January.  

This year’s away day will take place on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd of December and will include dinner, guest speakers, an exclusive visit, networking sessions and a night’s accommodation at The Farmers Club.  

The package at the Oxford Farming Conference in January includes: 

• Complimentary ticket to the full conference 
• Two night’s accommodation in college
• Dinners

Criteria  

In order to apply you must meet the below criteria: 

• 30 to 45 years of age 
• Actively involved in the rural, food and/or farming sector 
• Not attended the Oxford Farming Conference before 
• Able to attend the Conference in Oxford from 5 to 7th January 2022 
• Able to attend an Inspire day in London on 2/3 December 2021.
• Able to meet your own transportation costs to the two venues (London and Oxford)

How to apply 

To apply complete the application form, enter here, before the 10th October 2021. 

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of OFC Directors against the above criteria and the headings set out in the application form. You will be notified by 31st October if you have been offered a place. Good luck!  

About the sponsor

TIAH is agriculture and horticulture’s professional body. As the home of skills and careers support, they help people and business fulfil their potential and the industry thrive. 

Launching in early 2022, TIAH will support a profitable and sustainable industry by transforming the approach to training and skills development. They will seek to embed a culture within the industry of lifelong learning for all.  

TIAH: working together to grow agriculture and horticulture's people

Find out more here