The Oxford Farming Conference

Wednesday 8th January, 2025

06:00
TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Visit our booking office to secure your in-person or online ticket for the 2025 conference, running from 8 - 10 January.

[SOLD OUT FOR 2025] Physical Tickets include: Wednesday afternoon (Inspiring Innovators, FW Question Time, Fieldwork Book Club),  Thursday (Partner Events, Main Conference, OFC Debate)  and Friday (Partner Events, Main Conference). Access to the OFC25 app for networking with in-person and online delegates and on-demand video content post-OFC. There is the option to add the Chairman's Reception (£25 plus VAT) and the Christ Church Dinner (£95 plus VAT).

Digital Tickets include: Access to a live online stream of all sessions hosted on the main conference stage on Thursday and Friday. Access to the OFC25 app for networking with in-person and online delegates and on-demand video content post-OFC. It excludes the debate and any partner events during these days.

11:00
Early Registration Opens

Get ahead and visit our registration desk, open from 11am at The Oxford Examination Schools. 

14:30
Inspiring Innovators

A new addition to the OFC programme, bringing together inspiring speakers who will present their innovative ideas during short presentations, hosted at the Examination Schools. Spaces are limited so to join us, please select this option when booking your OFC25 ticket.

16:30
Farmers Weekly Question Time

We have teamed up with the Farmers Weekly to bring you one of their Question Time sessions, hosted at the Examination Schools. Spaces are limited so to join us, please select this option when booking your OFC25 ticket. Click “more” to see a list of the speakers. 

Chair: Johann Tasker, Farmers Weekly

Speakers:

  • Graham Wilkinson, AHDB
  • Alice Groom, Head of Sustainable Land Management, RSPB 
  • Matt Lobley, Exeter University
  • Henry Tufnell, MP South Pembrokeshire
  • Minette Batters
     
16:30
Fieldwork Book Club, in partnership with OFC and book signing

Returning for the third year, the Fieldwork Book Club, in partnership with OFC, the 2025 session will welcome Dieter Helm to discuss his new book, “Legacy”.  This session will take place at the Examination Schools. Spaces are limited so to join us, please select this option when booking your OFC25 ticket. Hosted by Adam Bedford.

17:30
Chair's Welcome Reception

OFC25 Chairman, Geoff Sansome, will officially kick off the conference with welcome drinks, hosted at the Examination Schools. Please note, this event is charged at £25 plus VAT and includes drinks and nibbles. You can add it to your booking when buying your OFC25 ticket.

19:30
Oxford Conferences’ Welcome Dinner: Building Connections, Celebrating Progress (hosted by FFCC)

This inaugural dinner, organised by the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission, will bring both conferences together to celebrate the food and farming community’s shared sense of purpose, and build connections for the path to 2030. After a 3 course dinner and drinks (all included in the £45 ticket price), you will hear from speakers who will reflect on our common ground, common interests and common purpose. To book this event, please use this booking link and use the code OFC324. Drinks are from 7.30pm with dinner starting at 8pm.

20:00
OFC/Agrespect Joint Social

After the success of the joint OFC/Agrespect Social in 2024, it will return again this year, hosted at The Chequers Inn Pub. Please note, there will be security on the door so you will require your OFC pass to gain access, and it is on a first come basis. 

Thursday 9th January, 2025

07:00
The Mike Potter Memorial Run

Kick-off the day with a short run, enjoying some of the sites in Oxford. Suitable for all levels of fitness, led by Sheena Horner and Adam Bedford. Meet at the steps of the Oxford Examination Schools at 6:50am, ready to stretch those legs from 7am. The run will last no longer than 40-minutes.

07:15
Registration Opens

Registration will open at The Oxford Examination Schools. If you are attending a partner session, please allow enough time to collect your pass.

07:30
Morning Prayers - Chapel Service

An OFC tradition, Morning Prayers will take place in the University College Chapel, led by Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley. The service will conclude by 8am for those wishing to attend partner sessions. 

08:00
Partner Event: NIAB and Plumpton College "Future success and climate challenges for the UK wine industry"

Exploring the continuing growth and success of the UK wine industry whilst considering challenges with regards to climate change, pests and diseases. The session will identify skills plus applied and fundamental research needed, looking 10-15 years ahead, including opportunities through innovative practices and new technology. To be held in Room 9. 

 

Speakers: 

Dr Belinda Kemp, NIAB, Group Leader - Viticulture and Oenology research  

Sam Linter, Plumpton College, Director of Wine  

 

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

08:00
Partner Event: WWF-UK and NatWest Group "Regenerative Dairy: Unlocking Profitability and Sustainability for Farmers"

In this session, we’ll explore the financial journey of dairy farming, examining how farm interventions impact carbon, nature, and profitability. For the first time, we’ll showcase our farmer-led documentary films, highlighting real-world experiences and innovations. To be held in Room 11.

 

Speakers: 

David Finlay, Raiton Farm (The Ethical Dairy), Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.

Andrew Brewer, Ennis Barton Farm, Cornwall, England.

James Robinson, Strickley Farm, Cumbria, England. NFFN England Chair.  

Sophie Gregory, Home Farm, Somerset, England. 

Andrew Rees, Moor Farm, Cornwall, England.

 

Chair:

Maria Luz Casal, Senior Policy Advisor at WWF-UK.

 

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

08:00
Partner Event: Growing Kent & Medway and Digital Dairy Chain "Place-based investment in food and farming innovation: What works?"

What are the critical components of an effective model of regional investment for innovating our food systems? As policy shifts towards place-based investment for public services, what makes regional funding for innovation in food and farming successful? Hear from Growing Kent & Medway and Digital Dairy Chain. To be held in Room 7.

 

Speakers: 

Dominic Hill, Communications, Growing Kent & Medway  

Dr Nikki Harrison, Director, Growing Kent & Medway 

Stuart Martin, Director, Digital Dairy Chain  

Jon Mills, Director, Canterbury Brewers & Distillers at The Foundry 

Andrew Gardner, Technical Director, Galebreaker 

 

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

09:00
Session 1 Overview - Policy: enabling opportunity

Agricultural policy is in transition, in a world requiring increased food production, with demanding environmental priorities. This creates challenges for governments and farmers,  yet also opportunities. This session will cover the major farming political updates at domestic and international levels and showcase how farming businesses are responding to these changing drivers.

09:25
Agricultural Transition: The Politics - Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed will address the OFC25 audience before taking questions from the floor

09:50
Agricultural Transition: The Politics - Devolved Ministers

Chaired by Charlotte Smith, the Devolved Ministers will each address OFC, followed by a panel discussion and questions. This includes Andrew Muir, Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, DAERA, Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Welsh Government and Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Scottish Government.

11:08
Responding to Changing Policies

We hear from three speakers about how their work has developed positive solutions and opportunities for the agricultural and rural sector, despite facing challenges. Phil Jarvis, Land & Estates Director, Albanwise Ltd, Neil Heseltine, Hill Top Farm and Lisbeth Henricksen, Executive Director, SEGES Innovation APS Denmark

12:15
Nourishing the Nation – unlocking the potential of British produce

How is one leading organisation, dedicated to food policy, shaping the future. We hear from Anna Taylor, Executive Director at The Food Foundation, and chief independent adviser to Henry Dimbleby for the National Food Strategy.

13:15
Partner Event: Frontier with Defra "Blending revenue streams – making the environment part of your business"

This session will offer an update on the Agricultural Transition Programme from DEFRA as well as the latest developments and progress with the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
From Frontier, Hannah Clarke will talk through the importance of planning when considering the implementation of any environmental actions on farm, including how public and private funding streams can be blended to deliver positive outcomes for both food production and natural capital assets such as soil, water, air and biodiversity.

 
Speakers:

Janet Hughes, Programme Director for the Future Farming and Countryside Programme

 
Hannah Clarke, Frontier SFI Delivery Lead and Technical AdvisorTo be held in the East School.

 

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

14:00
Session 2 Overview - Adapting to a changing world

Seasonal extremes and climate change are testing our established farming systems. Yet technological advances and innovations are creating incredible new opportunities. This session will explore our changing natural world, how that impacts on land used for farming and how today’s science can help feed tomorrow’s world.

14:01
Today's Innovations to Feed Tomorrow's World: The Frank Parkinson Lecture

Kicking off the second session of #OFC25, The Frank Parkinson Lecture will be delivered by Dr Bram Govaerts from CIMMYT in Mexico who will look at "Innovations in plant breeding for sustainable development”, and Dr Craig Lewis from Genus PIC with his presentation "Changing needs and changing tools - innovation in genetic selection.”.

15:15
Opportunities to Change our Farming Systems

Three speakers share their experience and the opportunities that are available to adapt farming systems. Ian Marshall OBE, Head of Business Development and Policy at Queens University Belfast will discuss "Energising agriculture and re-igniting our innovation DNA”, Tim Burnhope, Group Director of Special Projects at JCB will present  "Horsepower without diesel” and Richard Thomas from Risbury Court Farm will talk about "Leading the way with ABP’s PRISM2030”.

15:55
How the climate crisis will force us to change where and how we live

Continuing the theme of adapting to change, environmental strategist, author, science writer and broadcaster, Gaia Vince, will look at how the climate crisis has prompted a new way of thinking.

16:45
Partner Event: Map Of Ag “Managing your emissions reductions pathway effectively – what is a practical minimum”

The agricultural sector faces increasing pressure to cut emissions. Whilst setting targets is simple, finding practical and effective strategies to implement change on farm is more challenging. This session will see Map of Ag joined by major processors in the dairy, beef and cropping supply chains, to present how innovative scenario planning work has helped shape achievable emission reduction pathways, and what next steps lie ahead in order to implement these. To be held in Room 9.

 

Speaker: 

Hugh Martuneau - Technical Director at Map of Ag 

 

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

16:45
Partner Event: AHDB "Facing climate change, how can UK agriculture adapt?"

Farmers are on the front line of our changing climate, battling with increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather, impinging on farm productivity, and disrupting supply chains and food security. Join experts from AHDB, the Met Office and the Institute of Grocery Distribution to hear how farmers and the supply chain can rise to the challenge. To be held in Room 7. 

Speakers:

  • Mike Gooding, AHDB Farming Systems Director (Chair) 
  • John Gilliland, AHDB Environment Consultant 
  • Rachel Madeley-Davies, AHDB Technical Head of Environment 
  • Sarah Bradbury, CEO Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) 
  • Dr. Pete Falloon, Met Office Science Lead 

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

16:45
Partner Event: RABI "The Black Farmer with RABI"

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, aka The Black Farmer, joins farmers charity RABI for a tea-time session sharing his journey of resilience, diversity and innovation in farming. Prepared to be inspired and gain insight into thriving in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape, whilst learning more on RABI's evolving support for farmers through times of change. To be held in Room 11.

Speakers: 

Alicia Chivers, RABI Chief Executive  

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, Farming Entrepreneur  

 

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

18:45
OFC Debate

The renowned OFC debate will consider the motion “This house believes that UK agriculture needs more grazing livestock, rather than fewer, to be truly sustainable”. Proposed by Professor Jude Capper, Professor of Sustainable Beef and Sheep Production at Harper Adams University and Rob Havard, ecologist and owner of Phepson Angus, they will be challenged by opposers Henry Dimbleby, Co-Founder of Bramble Partners and Colin Ferguson, partner of P Ferguson and Co, and NFU Scotland Dairy Vice Chairman.

 

20:00
OFC Post-Debate Supper

The Post-Debate supper will take place in Christ Church, renowned for its links to fame with Alice in Wonderland written at the college in the 19th Century by Lewis Carroll, and the Great Hall used as inspiration for the Dining Hall in Harry Potter. A three-course meal will be served with wine for those who wish to purchase a ticket at £95 plus VAT. To add this to your booking, please select it when buying your OFC25 ticket.

 

 

Friday 10th January, 2025

08:00
Partner Event: RSPB "Unlocking the Business Potential of Nature of Friendly Farming"

Explore how embracing nature-friendly farming isn't just good for the planet - it's a smart business move. This panel dives into the diverse benefits of sustainable agriculture, from boosting resilience against climate challenges to tapping into green finance opportunities. Hear from experts who will share insights on greening supply chains, navigating certification schemes like the ground-breaking Fair to Nature scheme, and showcasing compelling evidence - including the role of insects in managing pests and boosting yields. To be held in Room 7.

Speakers: 

Beccy Speight, CEO, RSPB  

Jenny Clarke, Customer Agriculture Manager, Arla  

Professor Lynne Dicks, University of Cambridge  

Patrick Barker, E J Barker & Sons  

 

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

08:00
Partner Event: CAAV "Land Use in Changing Times"

Radical changes in planning policies and renewable energy follow new agricultural policies in England while, across the UK, climate change mitigation and adaptation alongside environmental concerns bring new pressures. With new risks and opportunities, rural land use and its role in food production is in competition as never before.

 

Speakers:  

Jeremy Moody, Secretary and Adviser to the CAAV  

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

08:00
Partner Event: Bayer Crop Science and NIAB "Next Steps for Precision Breeding"

The Government has announced new laws to support precision breeding technology to increase food production, reduce costs to farmers and bring drought and disease resistant crops closer. How far along are the new regulations and when could farmers see new seed varieties? To be held in Room 11.

Speakers: 

Mario Caccamo, CEO of NIAB Professor  

Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientific Advisor, Defra  

Professor Susan Jebb, Chair, Food Standards Agency  

Robert James, Technical Director, Thanet Earth  

Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy & Sustainability, Bayer Crop Science  

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

09:00
Session 3 Overview - Inspiration from change

Change and adversity can often provide the catalyst for inspirational and influential leadership to flourish. Farming produces fantastic food for increasingly health-conscious consumers. This session will showcase inspiring farmers and food businesses, and people who have seized new opportunities born out of adversity, opportunity, ambition or a simple passion for food. 

09:15
Where's the Beef?

The first speaker on Friday will start with an uplifting presentation from Anthony Murphy, director and co-founder of the The Beefy Boys. 

09:35
Food Connecting People

The connection between food and people will be the key theme for this panel discussion, with Dominic Watters from FoodisCare CIC, Dee Woods from the Food Ethics Council, and Nick Saltmarsh, Co-founder of Hodmedod Ltd.

10:12
Global Challenges for Food and Climate - The journey towards net zero"

Professor Piers Forster, Chair of the Climate Change Committee will present on the "The Journey towards Net Zero”.

10:28
Global Challenges for Food and Climate - Changing Perspectives

Dr Venkatachalam Murugan, Consul General of India will look at "Changing perspectives”, continuing the final day session focused on inspiration from change. 

 

11:14
Inspiring Farmers

One of the most popular sessions at OFC each year, our Inspiring Farmers will this year hear from Liz Haines, 2024 Nuffield Scholar - Neurodiversity in Agriculture and Wells Farming Ltd, Alex & Carlyn Paton from We Hae Meat and Becci Berry from K B Berry & Son.

12:30
Partner Event: Tesco "Supporting the future of UK agriculture"

Tesco and representatives from across the food and farming industry will come together to discuss the future of farming in the UK, including the barriers and opportunities associated with transitioning to a low carbon agriculture sector. To be held in the East School.
 

Speakers: 

Ashwin Prasad, Tesco Chief Commercial Officer  

Michael Lee, Deputy Vice Chancellor - Harper Adams University  

 

There are limited tickets for this session so we encourage pre-booking. If you have already booked your main conference ticket, log back into your account on the OFC website and add this to your booking via your member portal. If you need to reset your password to gain access, you will find a link on the website page - please check your spam box if you don't receive the reset email. Click here to amend booking.

13:30
Moving Forward

Our penultimate session of OFC25 will look at two powerful stories of adversity driving positive change. Emma O’Sullivan, Founder of the DPJ Foundation will present on "Finding a way forward through the darkest of times” and Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote, Co-founder and CEO of Black Fox Farm and Distillery from Saskatchewan in Canada will address "Why not?”.

14:20
Solitary Endeavour

Our final speaker of OFC25 is Olly Hicks, British Explorer and known for the first solo Atlantic row from USA-UK.

15:00
Conference Closes

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OFC25 will take place from 8th to 10th January 2025, in Oxford and Online.

In-person tickets have now sold out, but you can still join us, virtually, via our digital ticket. View the programme, speakers and more information in our dedicated conference section.

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