Two conferences. Two cultures. One future for farming

Last week, hundreds of people descended on Oxford for two of the biggest events in the farming calendar – the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) and the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC).

These two events have, for many years, taken place in the same place at the same time – and they represent two very different but inherently connected tribes in the farming community. The OFC is often considered the more traditional of the two, running for nearly 90 years and attracting high profile speakers – this year, SoS for DEFRA Emma Reynolds delivered the opening keynote speech. In contrast, the ORFC was started just 15 years ago as an alternative view to conventional farming, with just 80 delegates and generally attracts a younger, more progressive crowd. It can sometimes be a bit tribalist, but both conferences have huge amounts to offer and their own valuable perspectives. This year the Ernest Cook Trust had staff at both conferences, as well as sponsoring a number of young farmers to attend, and having attended the OFC for the last two years our Chief Executive Ed Ikin wanted to try the Real Farming Conference this year.

The first thing you notice is how loose and informal the ORFC is – it’s primarily run by volunteers in a variety of smaller venues, there’s no jackets or smart shoes, no flashy videos or sponsor statements and a strong grassroots atmosphere. But this initial impression is somewhat deceptive – the quality of conversation and contributors is exceptional: highly professional, economically and politically astute, and full of lively debate.

Ed was particularly focused on sessions that discussed entry points to farming and land management and small farm sustainability. There was an excellent workshop on how landowners can provide opportunities for start-up growers and emerging farmers, and Patrick Holden from the Sustainable Food Trust chaired a compelling discussion on small farm sustainability. He noted:

As darkness fell and rain hammered the roof at the end of day one, the Right to Roam movement hosted a vibrant discussion. We’re keen to understand every perspective when it comes to access: we need to connect more people to the land and nature, but not at the expense of damaged crops and disturbed wildlife. Central to this is education and engagement. And on that note, Ed felt that Right to Roam were keen to engage with everyone in the room, and had invited Martin Lines onto the panel who spoke thoughtfully about the ‘middle way’ of informed access.

Meanwhile across town, our Director of Land & Property Michael Birnie was greeted by tractor horns at OFC 2026, where the first speaker was Jack Bobo. He set the narrative for the day, encouraging everyone to consider the wider context – not a snapshot in time – and recognise the significant improvements over the long term, as well as the opportunities ahead. We can all choose our path, and our approach.

Jack was followed by Emma Reynolds MP and there were announcements that will have a tangible impact (as always, subject to the detail) – such as the creation of a Farm Collaboration Fund over 3 years; FiPL funding extended for 3 years; SFI extended for 3 years; and more simplification, focus, fairness and accessibility overall.

This was followed by a session on Growing Trade Resilience led by the NFU’s Head of Trade and Business, Gail Souter and a very interesting session from Louise Manning, who was commissioned to write The OFC26 Report. Minette Batters was in the front row, and it seems that both reports are complimentary – at the Trust we will certainly review both reports and consider the recommendations.

The afternoon sessions were geared towards the future of farming, considering tech and innovation, weather patterns, and what can be learned from other countries and their agricultural economic journeys. The volatility in weather patterns can be alarming when on large screen and what’s clear is that climate change is here now – perhaps stating the obvious, but we do need to consider strategies to cope with extremes, and plan for the impact.

Thursday ended in the Oxford Union for the annual OFC debate, where this year the Motion was:

Whilst ultimately the nays had it, there was much entertaining debate and teasing between stock farmers and the arable lot in the room! The House felt the connection with animals and humans  was too strong to think of the proposed as a reality, accepting of course that AI, innovation and new technology is here and will change farming through the next generation.

Throughout both days there was a fantastic spirit, lots of networking and an openness to discussions – a sentiment echoed across both conferences.

Although different in appearance, attendees and atmosphere, there is definitely more that unites these two events than divides them. And we are so pleased to have been able to enjoy and learn from both.