Oxford Farming Conference champions youth and diversity

Eight students under 30 identifying as black or people of colour are being sponsored to attend the prestigious Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) in January 2025 as a drive towards greater diversity.

The initiative by OFC, in partnership with McDonald’s UK and Ireland, is part of the organisers’ Breaking Barriers Programme.

The scholars, selected from diverse fields such as veterinary medicine at Nottingham University and sustainability consulting at Reading University, will bring their distinct perspectives to the event.

Since its inception five years ago, the programme has seen a fourfold increase in participants, infusing the agricultural sector with innovative ideas and a wealth of expertise.

See also: More diversity is essential for a healthy farming industry

© Jane Craigie Marketing

Navaratnam Partheeban, one of the directors at the OFC, explains the importance of diversity within the farming sector: “The agricultural industry is one of the least diverse sectors, and it hasn’t improved over the last few years,” he said.

“As a country, we are really diverse, but the farming sector doesn’t mirror this. Diversity is so important from a moral standpoint alongside business needs, as we need a sector that represents the consumer population.”

The OFC kicks off on 8 January and runs for two days.

The Breaking Barriers Scholarship goes beyond simply granting access – it provides tailored support, including mentoring, workshops, and valuable networking opportunities for the students.

Scholars will benefit from a pre-event programme designed to equip them with essential skills for their future careers.

As Navjot Gill, one of the students puts it, the initiative fosters connections with like-minded peers and mentors, paving the way for a more inclusive agricultural landscape.

OFC director Jude McCann sees the programme as transformative.

“These eight exceptional individuals represent the future of agriculture,” he said. “Their unique experiences, academic backgrounds, and industry insights are exactly what we need to meet the challenges ahead.

“Diversity isn’t just a tick box; it’s a vital ingredient for innovation and resilience,” Jude concluded.