Oxford Farming Conference Breaking Barriers Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Agriculture Opportunity
Overview
The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Breaking Barriers Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded opportunity for young people interested in food, farming and agriculture who face significant and identifiable barriers to entering the sector. For 2027, OFC is partnering with Severn Trent Water and M&S Food to fully fund eight places. Scholars join the OFC Scholars Programme, build skills and networks, and attend the 2027 Oxford Farming Conference, plus additional Breaking Barriers activities.
Applicants do not need to work or study in agriculture now. People from non-traditional backgrounds, including those who have not studied agri-food subjects, are welcome.
Who can apply
Applicants must be UK residents aged 18 to 30 who feel they face real challenges in accessing the food, farming and agricultural sector, and should be ready to describe those barriers in their application. They must be able to attend the full Scholars Programme, the required in-person activities in November and the conference in January 2027. Previous attendance at the Oxford Farming Conference may affect eligibility.
What you get
The programme combines in-person gatherings, online sessions, networking and the main conference. The first Scholar Away Day is the Supply Chain Day in London on 12 November 2026. Breaking Barriers scholars have an extra gathering on 24 November, and a further activity takes place at Harper Adams in Shropshire on 25 November. Webinars run between 12 November and 12 December.
The Oxford Farming Conference takes place from 6 to 8 January 2027 in Oxford and online. Its 2027 theme is Harmony, covering collaboration, knowledge sharing, land, environment, trade, technology and science.
How to apply
The application form asks for personal details, current role or studies, the barriers faced in food, farming and agriculture, future career aspirations, and how the programme could support personal and professional development. Answers can be written or submitted as a video, and a personal photograph is requested for announcements. Applicants who want to discuss eligibility first can contact the OFC Secretariat confidentially.
Key dates
The deadline is 5pm on Friday, 16 October 2026.