The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Northern Ireland celebrated the achievement of degrees, diplomas, and certificates with the ‘Class of 2025’.
Higher education students from across its three campuses – Enniskillen, Greenmount and Loughry – gathered to mark their graduation.
Permanent secretary, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Katrina Godfrey, chaired the proceedings which welcomed students from agriculture, business, equine, food, horticulture and packaging programmes.
Family, friends, academic staff, and industry representatives, all gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s cohort.
CAFRE director, Paul McHenry addressed the students saying: “Graduation Day is the pinnacle of the academic calendar, a well-earned celebration of your hard work, resilience and determination.
“You are entering a sector that is both vital and evolving. The knowledge and skills you have acquired at CAFRE will serve not only your careers but also the broader goal of sustainable rural development.
“We are confident that you will lead with integrity and innovation, to help build a productive, resilient industry,” he added.
CAFRE
Many graduates of the Class of 2025 have already secured employment within agri-food and land-based businesses, while others are pursuing further study or returning to family enterprises.
McHenry applauded the support CAFRE receives from businesses: “Through the provision of bursary and scholarship awards, work placements, guest speakers or site visits, interactions with employers play a pivotal role in the development of our students.”
Prof. Ursula Lavery MBE presented the prizes to the students and delivered a Guest Speaker’s address.
Remarking her career for the past 38 years has been with Moy Park, now Pilgrims Europe, she outlined how she has experienced great variety and challenge.
With strong words of encouragement for the development of rural economies Prof. Lavery reassured the graduates that they “are entering a sector that needs talent and energy. Agri-food and land-based industries offer a wide range of roles and give stability and diversity with great purpose to your career”.
Advice offered to the graduates was to be curious, show interest in a range of business functions, be open to new opportunities and invest in yourself, network with others and stay connected.
“Bring professionalism, pride and passion to your work. You are the future of our rural economy. Your knowledge and your innovation will shape the sustainability and success of our agri-food sector for the future,” Prof. Lavery said.
President of the Students’ Council, Erin Henderson offered a vote of thanks to the Platform Party on behalf of the Class of 2025.
