OFC 2026 to focus on farming resilience

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) will mark its 90th anniversary, from 7-9 January 2026, with a bold focus on resilience, innovation, and preparing UK agriculture for future challenges.

Jude McCann, newly appointed OFC chairman and chief executive of the Farming Community Network (FCN), confirmed the 2026 theme will be “Growing Resilience”.

It will bring together national and international voices to examine how the sector can better prepare for risks and future shocks.

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“As we celebrate 90 years, we have a chance to reflect on previous generations, and at times, it could be argued they were more resilient,” said Mr McCann. 

“There were more mixed farming businesses, a higher proportion of people working on the land, and less complexity when it came to legislation.”

The 2026 programme will centre on three core themes – people, the environment, and business – covering areas including trade, climate, technology, innovation, and family farming.

Keynote talks and panel sessions will also feature, and there will be space for open discussion.

“We will highlight connectivity, through human and mechanical interactions,” Mr McCann said.

“We will explore mindset, financial resilience and, as always, we will provide platforms and space for healthy debate and discussion, allowing all views to be shared.”

The Oxford Union Debating Chamber will again host the OFC’s signature debate, offering a platform for high-level discussion on the future of farming businesses.

The venue has previously welcomed figures such as Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, and Ronald Reagan.

OFC report returns

Also returning in 2026 is the OFC report, supported by the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust.

This will present findings and recommendations on how UK agriculture can evolve into a “mission-led, agile and opportunity driven” industry.

“I attended my first OFC in 2020 and was struck by the way the event creates a sense of community,” he added.

“A tribe of people who want to collaborate and make a real difference.”

Tickets and partnership opportunities are available on the OFC website.