The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) is inviting expressions of interest for three new directors to join the nine-strong team from January 2015 for a three year term to deliver the conferences from 2016-18.

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 consultant and a treasurer.

“The Oxford Farming Conference is uniquely positioned to challenge and stimulate debate in the British farming industry and beyond our shores - and our 2015 title - Ambitious Agriculture - couldn't be more apt in doing this," says Richard Whitlock, Chairman of the 2015 conference. “There are great opportunities for farming, but, and it's a big but; good farmers need to  heart of the debate as well as the scene-setting for the industry's next steps.”

“The OFC Director positions are wholly honorary but reasonable expenses are reimbursed and attendance at the Conference is offered free of charge for the three years in office. Our applicant selection is based on trying to get a balanced team 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 Julian Gairdner, Tom Hind and me, so we have particular need for a communicator, policy-maker and a farmer.”

“By joining the Council you are making a commitment to delivering the conference and it is important that prospective applicants appreciate the time commitment being made” he adds."

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 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."

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 2014 (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: Dr Tina Barsby, Al Brooks, Andrew Brown, Martin Davies, John Giles, Alan Laidlaw, Charlotte Smith, Richard Whitlock and Philip Wilkinson OBE. The treasurer is David Turner, the secretary is Ann Newbold and the marketing is undertaken by Jane Craigie.

Anyone interested in applying can download an application form from the OFC website www.ofc.org.uk. Applications close on the 13 June 2014.

The 2015 Conference will be held from 6-8 January at the Oxford University Examination Schools.