2018-05-21 |
Oxford Farming Conference Seeks Leading Lights in Agri-Business
The Oxford Farming Conference launched its search for the leading lights in agri-business to join its 2019 Emerging Leader Programme at an event in Northamptonshire.
As part of its commitment to nurture and promote leadership in agriculture, the Emerging Leader Programme, sponsored by BASF, seeks out potential leaders, aged 30-45, in agri-business in the UK, who have not attended the conference or may not have the means to attend. Successful applicants win a sponsored place at the two-day Oxford Farming Conference in January (3-4 January 2019), including valuable networking dinners and fringe events.
The 2019 programme was launched at an on-farm event for past Emerging Leaders hosted by OFC Director and EL programme organiser, Andrew Pitts. Mr Pitts, who farms 2100 acres with his brother and has a seed production business, said
“The Emerging Leaders’ initiative is designed to develop the skills of potential leaders in the industry, and this is an excellent opportunity for those who may not necessarily be on the radar to gain in confidence and experience and take strides to play a part in the bigger picture. The conference is a vibrant event which exposes you to the latest thinking across agriculture and its associated industries, as well as offering exceptional networking opportunities with key and progressive people in the business. Last year one Emerging Leader came face to face with Michael Gove at the Chairman’s drinks. You never know who you will meet or who you may influence. With change afoot, we need strong leadership more than ever, and as an organisation we are keen to support that at every level.”
The OFC works with other organisations already actively developing
leadership within agriculture and the rural communities to identify
candidates, including the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme,
which is sponsoring a number of places on the Emerging Leader Programme
for the 2019 conference. Julian Pace, Head of Rural at Scottish Enterprise,
who also runs the successful Rural Leadership Programme in Scotland,
said:
“Those we sponsored to join the Emerging Leader Programme last
year gained enormously from the experience, both in terms of
the invaluable networking it offered and the exposure to new
ideas and insights into the industry at the conference itself.
They came back informed, challenged and inspired. These types
of programmes are an essential tool in developing our future
leaders, and we are delighted to be able to support the Programme
again this year.”
The OFC is seeking further sponsors for the participants from businesses
and organisations to fund one or more candidates to attend the conference
and the related dinners. Chairman Tom
Allen-Stevens, arable farmer
and magazine editor, said:
“Like never before, UK Farming stands at
a crossroads and will look to the next generation of leaders in agriculture
to lead on the path that will bring progression and prosperity to our
rural communities. This is a fantastic opportunity for those farmers
who are already making a difference within their own business and who
have the will and the drive to succeed in our industry. In just two
years we have created an active network of Emerging Leaders to complement
our Scholars’ Programme for younger people, and through all of this
the OFC is creating a stronger, more coherent and defined voice for
this next generation. It is also a great opportunity for businesses
to nurture both the people and the skills which will aid the industry
as a whole, so now is the time to encourage worthy candidates to step
forward.”