The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) recently celebrated the presentation of Bursary and Scholarship Awards to students pursuing Agriculture degree programmes. The event, held at the Greenmount Campus, highlighted the strong partnerships and financial backing from agri-food companies that have significantly benefited students over the years.
The 2025 Industry Support Programme allocated £30,000 to students enrolled in various Agriculture programmes at CAFRE. This year’s recipients included students from Ulster University’s BSc (Hons) Degree and Foundation Degree in Agriculture, as well as those from Queen’s University Belfast’s BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Technology.
Among the notable awards presented was the first Abbey Autoline Bursary, which was given to Matthew Arbuckle from Kells. Matthew is currently studying for a Foundation Degree in Agriculture and Technology. Lucia Turner, Agriculture Team Leader at Abbey Autoline, presented the bursary, marking a new partnership that CAFRE hopes will be mutually beneficial.
The Ulster Grassland Society also presented a Bursary to Caleb Orr from Ballymena, who is pursuing a BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Technology. This course is offered at Greenmount Campus in conjunction with Queen’s University Belfast.
Thirteen companies in total presented Bursary awards, including Calor Gas Ltd, Dale Farm, Danske Bank, Gibson Trust, Irish Farmers’ Journal, John Thompson and Sons Ltd, Lakeland Dairies, Livestock and Meat Commission, National Sheep Association NI, Tyrone Farming Society, Ulster Farmers’ Union, the Ulster Grassland Society, and Yara. Additionally, three second-year students received Scholarship awards from the ABP Food Group, Fane Valley Stores, and Pilgrims Europe.
Hugh Ferguson, representing The Gibson Trust, awarded Sarah Boyd from Carrickfergus a Bursary. Sarah is studying for a BSc (Hons) Degree in Sustainable Agriculture. Alan Huston, Head of Agri Business, Breeder Services and Hatcheries at Pilgrims Europe, presented a Scholarship award to Anna Short from Moneymore, who will complete a work placement with the company as part of her studies.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Paul McHenry, Acting CAFRE Director, emphasized the importance of a continuous supply of professionally qualified and motivated entrants to ensure the agriculture industry’s success and competitiveness. He highlighted how the Bursary and Scholarship programme allows agriculture businesses to invest in the future workforce by providing tangible support to CAFRE students.
Mr. McHenry also noted the significance of the work placement year for second-year students, which offers them the opportunity to connect with businesses and gain practical experience. He encouraged students to look forward to rewarding careers in the industry, despite the challenges ahead, by leveraging their knowledge, skills, and attributes.
Sharon McLaren, Acting Head of Agriculture Education, expressed gratitude to the businesses and organizations supporting agriculture education at CAFRE. She welcomed Abbey Autoline to the Bursary programme and hoped for a fruitful partnership.
CAFRE offers a range of full-time and part-time Agriculture courses from Level 2 through to BSc (Honours) Degree. For those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, CAFRE is hosting an Open Day for Agriculture courses on Friday 28 March. Prospective students can book their attendance via the events page of the CAFRE website.
