Key Takeaways

• CAFRE awarded £39,000 in bursaries and scholarships to agricultural degree students.
• 20 first-year students received £31,500 in bursary awards from various industry partners.
• Emphasis on sustainability and innovation as key factors for the future of the agriculture sector.

Agriculture Awards Celebrate Student Achievements

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) hosted its annual Bursary and Scholarship Awards event, highlighting the achievements of Agriculture degree students and the importance of industry partnerships.

This year’s awards distributed £39,000 across various agricultural programs at Greenmount Campus, supporting students enrolled in the Ulster University validated BSc (Hons) Degree and Foundation Degree Agriculture, alongside the Queen’s University Belfast BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Technology.

Twenty first-year students were recipients of bursary awards totaling £31,500. Benefitting from sponsorship by notable industry partners such as Abbey Autoline, Ai Services, and the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland among others, these awards aim to foster future talent in agriculture. Additionally, three second-year students were recognized with scholarship awards worth £7,500 from ABP Food Group, Fane Valley Stores, and Pilgrim’s Europe.

Interim CAFRE Director Paul McHenry emphasized the critical need for a skilled workforce in Northern Ireland’s agriculture sector. He stated that maintaining strong partnerships and financial support is essential for sustaining the competitiveness of the industry. “The Industry Support Programme allows agriculture businesses to invest directly in the sector’s future,” he remarked, celebrating the achievements of first-year students while encouraging second-year recipients to engage with industry during their placements.

The event underscored the importance of adapting to challenges through sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness in agriculture. Mr. McHenry noted, “Armed with the knowledge, skills, and attributes gained at CAFRE, our students are ready to build rewarding careers.”

Additionally, Sharon McLaren, interim Head of Agriculture Education, welcomed new industry partners to the Bursary programme, highlighting the importance of these collaborations for both businesses and students. CAFRE continues to offer a range of full-time and part-time agriculture courses, catering to various levels of education, from Level 2 through to BSc (Hons) degrees. Interested individuals can find more information and apply for courses starting in September on the CAFRE website.

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