Breaking Barriers scholars for Oxford Farming Conference announced

Eight students under the age of 30 are being supported via the Breaking Barriers scholarship programme to attend the 2025 Oxford Farming Conference. The agriculture sector is notoriously undiverse with many younger people not being drawn to a sector that they see minimal roles model within.

This programme aims to tackle some of those barriers by welcoming younger people of colour to this annual event for the farming sector. To ensure that their involvement at the conference isn't a tokenistic one-off, the scholars are involved in a wider programme that includes a two-day field trip focused on networking, training, and skills development. 

The student cohort come from a range of disciplines, demonstrating the breadth of the sector. They are: 

• Umar Muhammad, a PhD candidate in Agriculture, Health, and Environment at the University of Greenwich, researching the resilience of agri-food value chains.
• Jessica Dickson, a 4th-year Veterinary Medicine and Surgery student at the University of Nottingham.
• Navjot Gill, a Sustainability Consultant at Promar International with a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Reading.
• Nacia Bonnick, a Ruminant Technical Advisor at Trouw Nutrition with a degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Nottingham.
• Mary Ogunmodede, a Commonwealth scholar studying for an MSc in Agroforestry and Food Security at Bangor University.
• Yetunde Ikudabo, a Project Support Analyst for Leeds City Council with a farming background in her home country of Nigeria and degree in Agricultural Science.
• Chimbusonma Ikeyi, an Agriculture and Crop Science student at the University of Nottingham currently undertaking an industry placement with PepsiCo.
• Mariyah Salahuddin, a student at the University of Bristol who will soon be commencing her first year of Veterinary Sciences.

Navjot Gill said:

"This scholarship will allow me to connect with like-minded individuals and mentors passionate about advancing diversity and inclusion in this sector.

"I am most looking forward to getting to know and building meaningful relationships with the others on the programme, understanding their experiences in the agriculture industry and getting out and about on the field trips.”

Hopefully this opportunity will inspire them to continue on their career pathways and inspire other young people to do the same. 

If you're looking for advice on how to get into the sustainable food and farming movement, check out our careers resources and webinar.