Ambition and creativity are more important than 'tweedy privilege'

摘要

The recent Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) 2021 debated the motion "This house believes that first-generation farmers are better than fourth." The OFC debate is usually held in the Oxford Union building and is both a convivial and tongue-in-cheek event. A motion is proposed and opposed, with opportunities for debate from the floor and rebuttal from either side. Over the years, the OFC debate has been a platform for both sharp wits and astute speeches from familiar faces in agriculture.But, by being held online rather than in the celebrated surroundings of the Oxford Union, it went some way to answering its own question. The "tweedy privilege" that proposer Nikki Yoxall referred to was quickly disarmed and the debate felt much more inclusive. Comments were made in the chat box, virtual hands were raised, and a balance of opinions heard.