The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) is calling for applications from ambitious young people from or based in Scotland wishing to attend the Oxford Farming Conference, which is taking place 2-4 January 2019.

Two applicants will be selected to attend on a fully-funded RHASS scholarship and given the opportunity to hear from inspiring and challenging speakers from across the world and network with key individuals shaping the farming sector.

Interested young people are asked to submit a video, no longer than two minutes, giving their views on three of five themes: putting science back into policy; the communication challenge for agriculture; the challenges for the next generation of farming; diversified opportunities and are we innovating enough?

RHASS Chairman James Warnock commented, “As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting young people in agriculture, RHASS has once again identified the Oxford Farming Conference as a unique and incredibly beneficial opportunity for those in Scottish agriculture.

“Attendees will be able to share the lessons learned to a wider farming and rural community throughout Scotland.”

Last year, Catherine Smith, a farmer’s daughter from Yorkshire now living and working in Scotland, and Malcolm MacDonald, a trainee agricultural consultant with SAC Consulting from the Black Isle in the Highlands, travelled to the industry-leading event as one of the RHASS scholars.

Speaking of the benefit of attending the event, Malcolm said:

“This was a fantastic opportunity to hear about what is new and innovative at policy level, as well as on a technical and production level, which I can now apply in my work.”

Applications should be emailed to wmorris@rhass.org.uk with ‘OFC Application’ in the subject line by 15 November.

Please note: Further information can be found at OFC 2019