Written by Iain Hoey
The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has teamed up with McDonald’s UK to launch of a new scholarship which encourages diversity and inclusion in farming.
The “Breaking Barriers Scholarship” will support two young individuals who are considering a career in agri-food by attending the Oxford Farming Conference on Thursday 7 January 2021, hosted online. The event theme “Business as Unusual” will allow them to explore the future of agriculture, innovation and technology with fellow peers from across the UK.
The scholarship is looking for candidates who reflect broad diversity of geographical and academic experiences, come from outside of the agri-food sector but are keen to enter it, and are not required to have any qualifications or be working in the industry.
In addition to the conference, they will join an exclusive OFC Scholar session in December with a McDonald’s Supply Chain virtual tour; equality, diversity and inclusion workshop; and networking activities.
OFC director and head of rural research at Savills UK Ltd, Emily Norton, who is chairing the programme this year, said it has never been more important that we welcome the inspiration that the next generation offers: “The Breaking Barriers Scholarship allows us to ‘send the elevator back down’ and help others take the first step on the ladder. The scholarship is an ideal way for ambitious new farming entrants, from diverse backgrounds to come to Oxford, meet and learn from inspiring leaders, and get their voices heard.”
Harriet Wilson, agriculture manager at McDonald’s UK & Ireland explained why the introduction of this new scholarship is so important: “At McDonald’s, we believe that the diversity of the people in our Supply Chain enables us to build a better, stronger McDonald’s. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Oxford Farming Conference to launch the Breaking Barriers Scholarship and to really champion diversity within UK agriculture.”
To find out more or apply for the scholarship, visit www.ofc.org.uk/scholars. Application deadline, 31st October 2020.
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