The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) is inviting applications for three new directors to join the nine-strong team from January 2012 for a three year term.

The Council is voluntary and is made of a group of people who are committed and active within the agricultural industry. The Director’s 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 Summer Arable Conference at the Cereals Event. The team is supported by a professional secretariat, marketing consultancy and a treasurer.

“We need directors who have passion and a breadth of experience in the agri-food or land management sectors; we also look for individuals who have an extensive network of contacts both in the business and agricultural community in the UK and further afield,” explains Cedric Porter, OFC Chairman for 2012.

“The positions are wholly honorary but reasonable expenses are reimbursed and attendance at the Conference is offered free of charge. Our applicant selection is based on trying to get a balanced team in terms of skills and network; and we often suggest that applicants apply in another year if their particular skills are already represented on the council. Directors retiring this year will be Professor Bill McKelvey, Robert Law and me.”

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 newly formed OFC/RASE Practice with Science Award and its partnership with Haymarket to deliver the Cereals Summer Conference. All of these activities extend the OFC brand and help to meet its charitable objectives of education and encouraging the next generation," Mr Porter adds.

“I am in my final year as a Director, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the planning and delivery of such a dynamic and thought-provoking Conference,” he adds.

Can you match any of these?

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 contacts across the EC
• 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 2011 (prior to formal appointment) and will then be expected to attend 6-8 Council meetings pa and the Oxford Farming Conference itself for their three year term.

Current directors are: Bill McKelvey, Robert Law, Nick Tapp, David Douglas, Cedric Porter, Mike Gooding, Tom Hind, Julian Gairdner and Adrian Ivory. The treasurer is Vincent Hedley-Lewis, the secretary is Liz Kerrigan and the marketing consultant is Jane Craigie.

Anyone interested in applying can download an application form from the OFC website www.ofc.org.uk. Applications close on the 27^th May 2011.