The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC), in partnership with McCain Foods Ltd, announced the launch of the ‘Inspiring Innovators’ programme ahead of its 2025 conference.
The new initiative invites trailblazers in the agricultural sector to share their innovative ideas, research or new technologies on a world stage.
The event is due to run from January 8 to 10, 2025, under the theme ‘Facing Change, Finding Opportunity’ and will offer six selected participants the chance to present their concepts on the first day of the conference.
Oxford Farming Conference (OFC)
The OFC is a charity that invests in agricultural education and knowledge-sharing, attracting over 650 delegates every year from retail; NGOs; scientific organisations; media, policy-making bodies and governments from around the world.
The event has a long history dating back to 1936 and is one of the only external events to be allowed to host a debate in the Oxford Union.
OFC director and co-founder of Inspiring Innovators, Sheena Horner said:
“The programme provides an exceptional opportunity for ambitious individuals from all backgrounds to share their ideas or concepts with an esteemed Oxford audience, raising awareness and driving interest in their research, start-up, or innovative technology.
“Participants will also benefit from valuable feedback from industry leaders and experts, offering insights that can further develop their vision.”
Moreover, successful candidates will be provided with professional presentation and skills training at the McCain Foods facility in Scarborough to ensure that they’re equipped to deliver their ideas with maximum impact.
Chair of OFC 2025, Geoff Sansome, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative:
“At my first conference, I was inspired to share my own experiences in a session, which was both listened to and valued.
“The OFC has always been about fostering varied and thought-provoking discussions, and the Inspiring Innovators programme embodies these values by providing a platform for anyone with a transformative idea that can support the sector.
“We can’t wait to hear from the rising stars of tomorrow and bring their thinking to the forefront,” he said.
McCain’s director of agriculture, James Hopwood, said: “At McCain, we are delighted to be partnering with OFC on the creation and launch of the exciting new Inspiring Innovators initiative.
“This is a unique opportunity for individuals from across all backgrounds to have an open platform to showcase their concepts, ideas, thoughts and interests to industry leaders, we look forward to supporting the successful applicants through the coming months and the discussion that follows,” he followed.
Individuals interested in participating in the Inspiring Innovators programme are invited to apply by submitting a written application of no more than 1,000 words, describing their concept and how it aligns with the 2025 conference theme before the deadline on September 30.
Shortlisted candidates will then be asked to submit a one-minute video or attend a brief online interview.
