The Oxford Farming Conference has unveiled the speaker lineup for the 2025 conference, which is themed, “Facing Change, Finding Opportunity”.
Taking place from 8th - 10th January 2025, the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) will aim to draw a “diverse group of experts, pioneers and changemakers” from across the globe to address the “critical issues” facing agriculture.
Over the course of two days, more than 30 speakers will address delegates, covering topics from sustainable livestock production and cutting-edge scientific advancements, to innovative food policies and farm diversification strategies.
Among the headline speakers are the Consul General of India in Birmingham, Dr Venkatachalam Murugan, adventurer and speaker Olly Hicks, and environmental strategist and author Gaia Vince.
The OFC Oxford Union debate will tackle the motion, “This house believes that UK agriculture needs more grazing livestock, rather than fewer, to be truly sustainable”, with Professor Jude Capper from Harper Adams University and Rob Havard of Phepson Angus arguing in favour of the motion. Opposing them will be Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of Bramble Partners, and Colin Ferguson, a dairy farmer and NFU Scotland’s dairy vice chair.
Click for more information on each speaker:
Murugan brings his expertise in international relations and food security. He has served in key roles across Tokyo, Prague, and New Delhi, shaping food security policy at an international level.
He is an inspirational speaker and triple world record holder for his maritime expeditions. Hicks is the co-founder of Algapelago, a regenerative ocean farming company focused on sustainable seaweed cultivation to combat climate change and and support marine ecosystems in the UK and beyond. Currently, Hicks is preparing for the first solo row around the world.
As a science writer and broadcaster, Vince explores the interplay between human systems and the planetary environment. She is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Anthropocene Institute at UCL and a host of BBC Inside Science, as well as an author.
Returning to OFC after his 2016 keynote, Dr Govaerts, director general of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), will deliver the Frank Parkinson Lecture, focusing on innovations in plant breeding for sustainable development.
As interim chair of the Climate Change Committee, Professor Forster will bring over three decades of research experience in understanding and addressing climate change.
Burnhope, who is group director of Special Projects at JCB, will address the role of hydrogen fuel in reducing carbon emissions in agriculture.
Dr Craig Lewis, who is PIC’s genetic service manager for Europe, will explore innovation in genetic selection as a route to greater welfare and sustainability in animal production.
Executive director at SEGES Innovation, Henricksen will speak on Denmark’s leadership in sustainable agriculture, exploring strategies for driving innovation in food production and farm management.
Taylor, who is executive director of The Food Foundation, will focus on policy frameworks required to address food insecurity and improve public health through a more sustainable food system.
Using his lived experience, Watters will look to highlight the intersection of poverty and food insecurity, urging policymakers and farmers alike to consider the role of food access in sustainable agricultural transformation.
Farmer and entrepreneur Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote will share her personal journey of transformation from managing a large grain farm in Canada’s Prairies to founding a small, premium distillery.
Co-founder of Hodmedod, Nick Saltmarsh, will outline his mission to increase diversity on farms and in food for the benefit of farming and farmed landscapes, the environment, individual health and food culture.
Geoff Sansome, chair of the 2025 Oxford Farming Conference, said: “Whether it’s global food security, grassroots innovation, or the need for inclusive food systems, the remarkable array of thought leaders are ready to guide us through the immense challenges - and opportunities - that lie ahead.
“The future of farming is at a critical juncture, and next January’s event is certain to inspire us all to take bold steps toward a more sustainable and resilient future.”
The main venue for OFC25 is The Examination Schools, 75 – 81 The High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BG including the chair’s Welcome Event.
To view a full list of speakers or purchase a ticket for OFC25, taking place from 8th - 10th January 2025, visit www.ofc.org.uk.
