The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has unveiled the speaker lineup for its 2025 event, which is themed Facing Change, Finding Opportunity.
It takes place from the 8th to the 10th of January and will feature more than 30 speakers, covering topics such as sustainable livestock production and cutting-edge scientific advancements, food polices and farm diversification strategies.
Among the headline speakers is the consul general of India in Birmingham, Dr. Venkatachalam Murugan, adventurer and motivational speaker Olly Hicks, and environmental strategist and author Gaia Vince.
As part of the conference, the OFC Oxford Union debate will bring some humour and theatrics to proceedings. Based on the motion, this house believes that UK agriculture needs more grazing livestock, rather than fewer, to be truly sustainable, Professor Jude Capper from Harper Adams University and Rob Havard of Phepson Angus will argue in favour against Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of Bramble Partners, and Colin Ferguson, a dairy farmer and NFU Scotland’s dairy vice chair.
The speakers
Dr. Venkatachalam Murugan
Dr. Venkatachalam Murugan brings his vast expertise in international relations and food security. Dr. Murugan has served in key roles across Tokyo, Prague, and New Delhi, shaping food security policy at an international level.
Olly Hicks is an inspirational speaker and triple world record holder for his maritime expeditions. He is the co-founder of Algapelago, a regenerative ocean farming company focused on sustainable seaweed cultivation to combat climate change and support marine ecosystems in the UK and beyond.
Gaia Vince
Gaia Vince is a science writer and broadcaster exploring 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. Her first book, Adventures In The Anthropocene won the Royal Society Science Book of the Year Prize. Her latest book, Nomad Century: How To Survive The Climate Upheaval, explores global migration and planetary restoration in a radical call to arms.
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.”
Returning to OFC after his 2016 keynote, Dr Bram 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.
Other keynote speakers include the interim chair of the Climate Change Committee, Professor Piers Forster, who will bring over three decades of research expertise in understanding and addressing climate change.
Tim Burnhope, group director of Special Projects at JCB, will address the role of hydrogen fuel in reducing carbon emissions in agriculture.
PIC’s genetic service manager for Europe, Dr Craig Lewis, will explore innovation in genetic selection as a route to greater welfare and sustainability in animal production.
Executive director at SEGES Innovation, Lisbeth Henricksen will speak on Denmark’s leadership in sustainable agriculture, exploring strategies for driving innovation in food production and farm management.
Anna Taylor
Executive director of The Food Foundation, Anna Taylor OBE will focus on the policy frameworks required to address food insecurity and improve public health through a more sustainable food system.
Dominic Watters will 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.
To view a full list of speakers or purchase a ticket for OFC25, taking place from 8th-10th January 2024, visit www.ofc.org.uk.
