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Oxford Farming Conference Directors sought
The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) is seeking three new directors to join the ten-strong team from January 2017 for
a three-year term to deliver the conferences from 2018-20.
he Council is voluntary and is
made of a group of people who
are committed and active within
the agricultural industry. The
Directors’ role is to work with
the rest of the team to deliver
the Conference programme, speakers and the
extended activities now linked to the OFC such
as the Arable Conference at the Cereals Event.
The team is supported by a professional
secretariat and a marketing consultant.
“The Oxford Farming Conference is a charity
that has a mission to inform, challenge and
inspire people the agricultural sector," says
Martin Davies, Chairman of the 2017
conference. “The conference is regarded as the
leading event for networking and debate in
British farming, which is enhanced by our
related activities, including an active scholars’
programme and organising the annual Arable
Conference at the Cereals Event.
“I’m now in my final year, and I have found
the role both stimulating and rewarding,” he
says. “The conference itself prompts often
heated debates, as well as posing some
challenging concepts and speakers – it is a
unique experience for anyone who has a
progressive view of the future of our sector.”
The OFC Director positions are wholly
honorary but reasonable expenses are
reimbursed and attendance at the Conference
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10 | Farming Monthly | June 2016
is offered free of charge for the three years in
office. Our selection process is based on trying
to get a balanced team and we often suggest
that applicants apply in another year if their
particular skills are already represented on the
council.
Leaving the Council in 2017 will be Martin
Davies (Westchester Group Investment
Management), Charlotte Smith (BBC Radio 4
and Countryfile presenter) and Alan Laidlaw
(The Crown Estate).
“By joining the Council you are making a
commitment to delivering the conference and it
is important that prospective applicants
appreciate the time commitment being made”
Mr Davies adds."
The Oxford Farming Conference takes place
early in January every year where it sets the
agenda for the year ahead for an entire
industry. "The Conference has significantly
extended its reach to include online streaming
of the conference, the annual OFC research,
the OFC/RASE Practice with Science and
Innovation Award and its partnership with
Haymarket to deliver the Cereals Event
Summer Conference. All of these activities
extend the OFC brand and help to meet its
charitable objectives of education and
encouraging the next generation."
The OFC is particularly interested in individuals
who are passionate about the future of farming
and can demonstrate one or more of the
following skill areas:
• A track record of successful innovation in
agriculture or horticulture
• Experience of developing agricultural
policies and strategy
• Highly effective communication, networking
and PR skills
• Broad and effective networks of contacts
across the public, private and academic
sectors, with particular interest in building
overseas contacts
• Creative ideas and concepts for the future
development of the OFC
Those selected as members will be invited to
attend two Council meetings in November and
December 2016, prior to formal appointment,
and will then be expected to attend 6-8 Council
meetings per year and the Oxford Farming
Conference itself for their three-year term.
Current directors are: Martin Davies, Dr John
Gilliland OBE, Alan Laidlaw, Robert Lasseter,
Caroline Millar, Julie Robinson, Charlotte Smith,
Tom Allen-Stevens and Will Surman. The
treasurer is David Turner, the secretary is Ann
Newbold and the marketing is undertaken by
Jane Craigie.
Anyone interested in applying can download
an application form from the OFC website
www.ofc.org.uk. Applications close on the 17
June 2016.
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