The Oxford Farming Conference, along with partner McDonald’s UK and Ireland, has announced the recipients of the Breaking Barriers Scholarship.
It supports eight individuals under 30 who identify as black or a person of colour to attend the Conference in January.
The 2025 cohort is the largest since the programme was launched five years ago and sees representation from a range of academic disciplines and industry specialisms.
- 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.
It aims to support diversity and inclusion within agriculture, by providing candidates with the chance to attend the Conference and participate in a pre-event programme, and bespoke events and receive materials to support their future careers.
OFC Director and facilitator Jude McCann, who is supported by Sheena Horner and Navaratnam Partheeban said, “The Breaking Barriers programme is not just an initiative, it’s a movement towards transforming the face of agriculture. The increased interest and intake for 2025 demonstrate both the urgent need and growing desire for greater diversity in our sector.
“These eight exceptional individuals represent the future of agriculture – their unique experiences, academic backgrounds, and industry insights are exactly what we need to meet the challenges ahead.
“Diversity isn’t just a tick box; it’s a vital ingredient for innovation and resilience. We are proud to support their journeys and excited to see the contributions they will make to agriculture, food systems, and sustainability.”
2025 Breaking Barriers Scholar Navjot Gill said, “I applied to the Breaking Barriers scholarship as it presented a unique opportunity for me to develop in my career, both personally and professionally. 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.”
Fellow scholar Jessica Dickson added, “As a vet student who grew up in Hong Kong, I never set foot on a working farm until vet school. I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to learning more about farming, agriculture, and food production – particularly aspects of safeguarding public health and how British farming can be at the forefront of global advancements, adapting farming practices to a changing world.”
Commenting on the opportunity, Hetty Elliott, Agricultural and Sustainability Sourcing Manager for McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with the Oxford Farming Conference, sponsoring both the Scholars Programme and the Breaking Barriers Programme, for which we have increased the number of places available in 2025.
“Our sponsorship provides opportunities for young people from a range of diverse backgrounds to attend the 2025 Conference. As part of our Plan for Change programme we’re proud to be inspiring candidates from all backgrounds to consider a future career in the agricultural industry.”