Reflections from Oxford

Attendees of both events meet in the beautiful city of Oxford between around 4 and 6 January each year. This prompts many to ask why the events are scheduled on the same dates and what the difference is between them. 

Belinda Clarke, Chief Executive of innovation organisation Agri-Tech E sums it up nicely in her blog: 

"History shows this alignment is deliberate, with the Oxford Real Farming Conference, which started in 2010, positioning itself as a “much-needed alternative” to the Oxford Farming Conference, providing “an innovative environment for some radical discussions.” By contrast, the Oxford Farming Conference, which started in 1936, is steeped in tradition, attracting royalty, international politicians, and many major land-owners and farm business people.”

Many agree with Belinda’s view that there's plenty of room for both. While OFC traditionally attracts bigger businesses and major policymakers, ORFC has had a more ecological and grassroots focus. 

But, particularly as the farming and growing industry increases its focus on environmental and sustainability issues, the events increase cross-over of the topics on their programmes. 

Insight into the challenges facing farmers and growers

TIAH recognises the importance of both events in discussing issues crucial to the success and sustainability of agriculture and horticulture. Both provide a really exciting chance for insight and learning into the challenges facing farmers and growers across the UK and internationally – and how things can be done differently. TIAH attended both events in recognition of their ability to provide the industry with learning and development opportunities. 

At ORFC, there are very practical opportunities for learning, with sessions focussed on issues including financing for transition, practical support such as mentoring for farmers, and knowledge exchange. There's a significant element of peer-to-peer learning, where farmers and growers can ask questions and work together. Sessions are brought to life by hearing and learning from real farmers who are transitioning into or are established in adopting agroecological practices. 

OFC is bigger in scale, and while there are excellent opportunities for exploring best practice around a range of farming and growing techniques, the conference also explores – and challenges – the bigger picture, as it did with the release of its annual OFC research report which called for greater fairness across the food supply chain. 

OFC has increased opportunities for the younger generation of farmers and growers to take part in the conference over recent years. TIAH strongly supports this because it provides unique learning and development opportunities and helps ensure that younger voices are heard in the event’s important discussions and debates. 

TIAH was extremely proud to sponsor the OFC Inspire Programme for the second year running. Inspire enables 18 ambitious professionals from  the rural and agri-food sector to attend the OFC for the first time.   

Develop leadership skills

The programme provides an opportunity for the Inspire delegates to develop their network and leadership skills, with support from TIAH and a range of other industry bodies and professionals. TIAH will offer this year’s Inspire group more development opportunities throughout 2023. 

It has been extremely rewarding to hear the thoughts of some of the Inspire group members following the conference. 

Inspire delegate Flavian Obiero is the pig unit manager at Tile Barn Farm. He attended both OFC and OFRC. Reflecting after the events, he highlighted the fantastic opportunity OFC offered to move out of his comfort zone, talk to new people from across the industry, and explore new opportunities. 

Flavian was invited to speak ORFC about land, food, and racial justice in UK farming. While he was struck by the different ‘vibe’ and observed greater diversity amongst the delegates at ORFC, he firmly believes both have a place. 

“I think both conferences have a place in the farming calendar. Go to whichever one you want, depending on the content that’s there. We need to get out of our silos and engage. We need to go out there and learn.” 

We couldn’t agree more!