Oxford Farming Conference calls for new Directors

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC), is calling for three new individuals to help shape the future of the organisation.

The agricultural, business and food event is run by a group of voluntary directors who identify the theme, speakers, sessions and overall programme, to ensure that the conference continues to deliver on its charitable objectives to include, challenge and inspire the industry.

The new appointees will serve a three-year term starting from January 2024, and will be expected to attend the conference themed “The Power of Diversity”, which will take place from 3 to 5 January 2024.

Following a skills audit, the Council would be pleased to receive applications from those with scientific and research knowledge, and farmers from across all sectors. However, OFC 2024 Chairman, Will Evans, is keen to stress the board is inclusive to all, and applications from anyone with a passion to be at the forefront of the agricultural industry, is encouraged to apply.

He says: “Agriculture 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 that 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.”

Board background

The current board includes those with backgrounds within dairy, livestock, arable, horticulture, regenerative agriculture, environmental support, policy, veterinary, marketing, PR, finance, mental health and wellbeing and international leadership.

Will adds: “Together we aim to develop a programme of speakers and sessions that respond 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.”

In addition to the conference, the Directors support a range of outreach programmes including Scholars, which supports those at the start of their career, Inspire, a network to empower and develop the skills of future leaders, and OFC bursaries, for those involved in agriculture who may face social or economic barriers, enabling them to attend the conference for free.

The OFC Directors are supported by a range of contractors on a part-time basis offering event logistics, marketing and PR, partnerships and sponsorship, financial administration and general secretariat.

The roles are wholly voluntary with expenses paid, including full conference attendance. Individuals are expected to have attended at least one event, either in-person or online.

For further information and details on how to apply, visit: www.ofc.org.uk 

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