The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) is seeking three new directors to “help shape the future of the organisation”.
The OFC, which takes place annually every January, is run by a group of voluntary directors.
The new appointments will serve a three-year term starting from January 2024, and will be expected to attend the conference themed ‘The Power of Diversity’ taking place January 3-5, 2024.
Following a skills audit, the OFC Council said it would be pleased to receive applications from those with “scientific and research knowledge, and farmers across all sectors”.
OFC 2024 chair, Will Evans, said the board is inclusive to all and applications from anyone with a passion for agriculture should apply.
Evans said the agricultural industry is continuing to face unprecedented change but “where there are great challenges there are also huge opportunities”.
“OFC provides a unique opportunity for the industry to discuss, debate and develop ideas and solutions so we can collaborate to be resilient for the future.
“This starts with ensuring our board of Directors has a wide breadth of skills and experience, and is representative of many different areas within agriculture.”
The current OFC board includes people of backgrounds within dairy, livestock, arable, horticulture, regenerative agriculture, environmental support, policy, veterinary, marketing, PR, finance, mental health and wellbeing and international leadership.
“Together we aim to develop a programme of speakers and sessions that responds to both industry and consumer demands, ensuring that hundreds of delegates receive valuable insights to help them shape their businesses, and more widely, the industry,” Evans said.
The OFC directors are supported by a range of contractors on a part-time basis including event logistics, marketing and PR, partnerships and sponsorship, financial administration and general secretariat.
The roles are voluntary with expenses paid, including full conference attendance. Individuals are expected to have attended at least one event, ether in person or online.
