Discover CAFRE

17/10/2026

📦Packaging Policy 2026 update
📆Friday 13 November 2026
📍Loughry Campus, Cookstown, BT80 9AA
Join industry experts and regulatory representatives at CAFRE, Loughry Campus for a morning of updates on the latest packaging legislation and sustainability requirements impacting the food, packaging and agri-food sectors across Northern Ireland.
For more information and to book ⬇

Does your business use plastic packaging? Join us at Loughry Campus, on Thurs16 October, 9:30 for a packaging policy update.

17/10/2026

Are you attending the MEGA Explore Engineering Expo this Wednesday?
Be sure to stop by and say hello to the CAFRE team! We'll be on hand sharing information about our wide range of courses, from Level 2 programmes right through to BSc (Hons) degrees. Stop for a chat and discover where a CAFRE qualification could take you.

16/10/2026

Evie Park has recently returned to her second and final year of the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology & Nutrition, following a successful 12-week industry placement with Ben’s Ice Cream.

During her placement, she played an active role in conducting quality control checks, managing added value ingredients, and supporting the production team, ensuring products met quality and food safety standards.

The placement provided Evie with invaluable hands-on experience and insight into the food industry, particularly during the busy summer season. She developed a range of practical and professional skills that will benefit her throughout the remainder of her studies and beyond. We look forward to seeing her continue to build on this experience in her final year.

If you are wishing to explore your future in the Food Industry, why not join us on Tuesday 10 November for our Food Taster Day at Loughry Campus. Take part in practical activities, explore our specialist food facilities, meet staff and students, and discover the exciting range of opportunities available in the food and drink industry. Book now: cafre.ac.uk/events/food-courses-taster-day-4/

16/10/2026

Lewis Connelly from Dungannon, is Account Manager with ABP. He completed the Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Food and Drink Manufacturing, which provided the perfect pathway into the agri-food industry.
In his current role, Lewis manages 15 customer accounts, overseeing approximately 135 tonnes of beef each week, processed into products valued at around £1 million.
💬 "I chose the HLA because it gave me the ideal balance between the classroom and the workplace. Gaining experience on the job, earning money and gaining a qualification in one go was a major selling point."
Lewis enjoyed the highly practical nature of the programme, gaining experience in areas including product development, packaging and laboratory analysis. He credits the HLA with helping him develop the skills that have supported his career progression.
💬 "Studying at CAFRE gave me my first experiences of project management, problem solving and workplace communications. This gave me an excellent foundation for my career."

Thinking about a career in the food and drink industry? 🌟
Applications for courses beginning in September 2027 are now open. Find out more at our Food Taster Day on Tuesday 10 November at Loughry Campus. Book your place now: cafre.ac.uk/events

16/10/2026

Aimie Kerr graduated in June with a BSc(Hons) in Food, She is a fantastic example of where dedication, practical learning and ambition can take you.
Aimie secured a role as a Food Safety and Quality Trainee Manager at Dunbia Dungannon. Aimie is gaining hands-on experience across food safety, quality assurance, animal welfare, traceability and continuous improvement, helping to ensure the highest standards across beef and lamb production.
"I’m really enjoying my time at Dunbia. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, and the support from my team has helped build my confidence and develop my skills."
For Aimie, the transition from student to industry professional has opened the door to an exciting career with real responsibility, continuous learning and opportunities for leadership.
Interested in a career in the agri-food industry? Our courses combine industry-relevant knowledge with practical experience to prepare you for exciting careers in food safety, quality management and innovation. Join us at our Food Taster Day on Tuesday 10 November, to start your journey and discover CAFRE it could take you. Visit cafre.ac.uk/events to find out more.

16/10/2026

Final-year students at Loughry Campus were delighted to welcome Loughry alumni Patrick Woods and Kylie Nethery from Linwoods back to campus as guest speakers.

Drawing on their industry experience, Patrick and Kylie shared valuable insights into the use of EFSA-approved health claims, exploring how legislation influences product development, packaging and marketing within the food industry.

Thank you to Patrick and Kylie for providing our students with valuable insight into the practical application of health claim legislation in the food industry.

If you are looking for options to study food after GSCEs or A-Levels, why not explore our courses at Loughry Campus. Join us on 5 November for a taster day to learn what life at CAFRE is like, book now at cafre.ac.uk/events

16/10/2026

Thinking about a career in the food industry? 🍦🔬🌱

Join us at our Food Courses Taster Day at Loughry Campus and experience what it's like to be a CAFRE student. Take part in practical activities, explore our specialist food facilities, meet staff and students, and discover the exciting range of opportunities available in the food and drink industry.

📅 Tuesday 10 November
📍 Loughry Campus

Book your place today 👇

Attention students interested in studying Food! Book now to attend a Taster Day at CAFRE – Loughry Campus on Tuesday 12 November.

15/10/2026

From the classroom to the workplace, CAFRE students are gaining invaluable industry experience through our Industry Support Programme. Higher Education students can apply for a scholarship that includes a one-year paid placement with a leading agricultural business and a £2,500 bursary to support their studies.

One of this year's successful recipients is BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture student Christopher Hunter from Kesh, Co. Fermanagh, who has secured a scholarship with Fane Valley.

Christopher has begun his placement in the Fane Valley store in Omagh, where he will complete a range of training opportunities, including health and safety, forklift certification and product management training. The placement will also provide opportunities to work in other stores and gain exposure to the company's headquarters.

💬 "I am looking forward to continuing to develop my knowledge and experience, with the opportunity to work in other stores and gain exposure to the company's headquarters.

This scholarship provides me with the opportunity to gain valuable insight into how Fane Valley operates as a business. It will allow me to experience the day-to-day challenges and successes of the organisation while developing the practical skills, industry knowledge and professional experience that will support my future career."

Congratulations to Christopher on securing this fantastic opportunity. We look forward to seeing the experience and skills he gains throughout the year. 👏

Considering your options after school? Discover how a degree at CAFRE could kick-start your career in agriculture.

➡️ Visit cafre.ac.uk/study/agriculture to find out more.

15/10/2026

🌾 Today, on International Day of Rural Women, we recognise the vital role women play in shaping the future of agriculture, food production and rural sectors.

From livestock and dairy to animal genetics, nutrition and farm business, our students Ellie-May, Caroline, Zara, Sophie and Aimee are proving that there are no limits to what women can achieve in the agri-food industry. Their passion, determination and ambition are helping to drive a strong and sustainable future for the sector.

We're proud to share their stories and hear how they are developing new skills, challenging perceptions and inspiring the next generation of women in agriculture.

📖 Read the full article to learn more about these inspiring students and the impact they will have on the future of farming and rural industries - cafre.ac.uk/2026/10/15/cafre-celebrates-international-day-of-rural-women/

15/10/2026

Ruairi O’Boyle from Rasharkin enrolled on the part-time Level 2 Agricultural Business Operations course being delivered at Greenmount Campus, Antrim.
“I’m completing the Sheep Production option and am enjoying the course. I'm looking forward to learning more over the coming months. My brother, Tiernan, joined the Beef option, so together we are developing our knowledge, skills, and industry contacts to support the future of our beef and sheep farm. The evening delivery of the course fits perfectly around our daytime jobs, making it an ideal opportunity to continue learning. The Level 2 Agricultural Business Operations course will help us build the knowledge and confidence needed to support the future growth and success of our farming business.”

Ruairi is pictured with John Fegan, Agriculture Technologist at CAFRE who delivers content on the Sheep Production course.