Forward-thinking individuals given a platform to showcase their work to the UK farming industry
The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has unveiled the six trailblazers selected for its inaugural Inspiring Innovators programme.
The six forward-thinking individuals will take centre stage during the opening session of OFC25, which runs from 8-10 January, in Oxford and online.
With this year’s theme of ’Facing Change, Finding Opportunity’, the conference is aiming to highlight how today’s challenges in agriculture can spark groundbreaking solutions. The Innovators are held up as exemplfying this vision, bringing fresh ideas and actionable solutions to some of the sector’s most pressing issues, from sustainability and food security to market diversification and consumer trends.
Representing a broad spectrum of expertise, the 2025 Inspiring Innovators are:
- Dr Thomas Farrugia, Beta Bugs: As CEO and Founder of Beta Bugs, Farrugia has pioneered the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as an alternative protein source for animal feed. Through selective breeding, Beta Bugs enhances the genetic performance of BSFL, enabling the insect farming industry to scale and compete with traditional protein sources like soymeal. At OFC25, Farrugia will share how insect farming offers farmers new diversification opportunities while addressing feed shortages and sustainability challenges.
- Kate Drury, Sustainable Rope: Drury is a wool innovation PhD student at the Royal Agricultural University and owner of Sustainable Rope, a project aimed at addressing two significant challenges: microplastic pollution and the undervaluation of British wool. By creating sustainable, natural fibre rope, she is providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials while supporting UK sheep farmers. Her presentation will highlight the market potential of natural fibres and the environmental benefits they offer.
- Michael Kavanagh, The Green Farm Collective: Founded by four award-winning farmers, Kavanagh will share how the group are reshaping regenerative agriculture with a whole-farm certification system and premium markets for regenerative flour. He will present their vision for scaling regenerative practices, the challenges of engaging supply chain stakeholders, and the opportunities for farmers to access premium markets that reward sustainability.
- Dr Lynda Perkins, Queen’s University Belfast: Perkins will showcase Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry (REIMS), an emerging technology that rapidly analyses food quality and safety. Her presentation will delve into how REIMS can transform traditional food testing methods, ensuring authenticity and quality in a fast, sustainable, and objective manner.
- Annie Weiss, Udderly Flavoured Milk: Dairywoman and entrepreneur Weiss is breathing new life into the flavoured milk category with innovative, functional products like Matcha Milk and Lion’s Mane Cacao Milk. At OFC25, she will share how Udderly is responding to changing consumer tastes and driving a “Dairy Renaissance” that supports dairy farmers and reinvigorates the market.
- Keir Doe, Renewables Connect: Doe is a farmer, chartered surveyor and chartered town planner. His platform, Renewables Connect, is the UK’s first online multi-agency platform connecting landowners with renewable energy developers and investors. His presentation will explore how this tool simplifies the process for farmers to engage with renewable energy projects, unlocking diversification opportunities in the face of agricultural challenges.
To prepare for their presentations at OFC25, the Inspiring Innovators recently participated in a tailored training day at sponsor McCain Foods’ headquarters in Scarborough. The session, led by media training experts and supported by McCain representatives, provided practical guidance on public speaking, storytelling, and crafting impactful presentations.
McCain’s team also shared valuable insights into innovation, sustainability, and navigating the evolving challenges and opportunities in the agri-food sector. Together, these elements helped the Innovators refine their messages and build confidence for effectively engaging the OFC audience in January.
The Innovators will also receive full access to the conference, including accommodation, meals and networking opportunities with over 650 delegates.
