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Your Trusted Agri-Food & Rural Enterprise College
The Cafre is a dedicated institution specialising in education and training for the agri-food and land-based sectors. With three campuses in Northern Ireland, we provide full-time, part-time, and short courses designed to equip students and professionals with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge. Our extensive facilities support hands-on learning in agriculture, food technology, equine studies, horticulture, and more. We collaborate closely with industry partners to ensure our programmes align with sector needs, offering bursaries and career progression opportunities. Our graduates benefit from a 95% employment or further education rate within six months of completing their courses.As part of the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, we deliver knowledge transfer programmes, technical resources, and business development support to drive innovation and sustainability. Our international partnerships enhance global learning experiences, bringing new technologies and systems to local industries. With a focus on practical training and industry engagement, CAFRE remains committed to fostering success for students and businesses alike.
Services
Agriculture Courses
Equine Training
Food Technology Training
Horticulture Education
Veterinary Nursing Courses
Land-Based Engineering
Postgraduate Programmes
Business Support
Technical Resources
Knowledge Transfer Programmes
Highlights and features
- We offer 95% employment or further education progression for graduates within six months.
- Our 1,800+ students benefit from individualised support and industry-aligned training.
- We provide over 45 bursaries funded by industry partners for first-year degree students.
- Our three campuses feature cutting-edge facilities for agriculture, food, and horticulture.
- We deliver knowledge transfer programmes directly supporting sustainability objectives.
Services
Agriculture Courses
Our agriculture courses cover dairy, beef, sheep, pigs, poultry, and crop management. Students gain hands-on experience with modern farming techniques and technology. Programmes range from further education to postgraduate levels, preparing graduates for careers in agricultural enterprises.
Food Technology Training
Food technology training includes access to innovation centres, packaging testing facilities, and food business incubation. Courses focus on supply chain integrity, advanced manufacturing, and health-conscious product development. Students and businesses learn to meet industry standards and consumer demands.
Horticulture Education
Horticulture programmes cover amenity horticulture, floristry, greenkeeping, and sustainable plant production. Facilities include demonstration gardens and pilot schemes. Students develop skills in landscape management, nursery operations, and environmental conservation for commercial and public sector roles.
Equine Training
Equine courses provide practical training in breeding, equitation, racing, and stable management. Facilities include riding simulators and equestrian centres. Programmes prepare students for careers in horse training, event management, and veterinary support services across the equine industry.
Veterinary Nursing Courses
Veterinary nursing programmes train students in animal healthcare, surgical assistance, and clinical practices. Courses combine classroom learning with hands-on experience in veterinary facilities. Graduates qualify for roles in veterinary practices, research institutions, and animal welfare organisations.
People
Paul McHenry
Acting CAFRE Director
Paul McHenry leads CAFRE's strategic vision, fostering industry partnerships and global collaborations. With extensive experience in agricultural education, he drives innovation in curricula and supports student success across Northern Ireland's agri-food sector.
Questions
What courses does CAFRE offer?
CAFRE provides agriculture, food, equine, horticulture, veterinary nursing, and land-based engineering courses from further education to postgraduate levels, alongside industry training programmes.
Are there bursaries available for students?
Yes, we offer over 45 bursaries funded by industry partners to support first-year degree students in various agri-food and land-based disciplines.
How does CAFRE support graduate career progression?
Our graduates achieve a 95% employment or further education rate within six months through industry connections, practical training, and career-focused curricula.
What facilities are available at CAFRE campuses?
Our three campuses feature specialist facilities including food technology centres, equine training grounds, horticulture pilot schemes, and agricultural demonstration farms.
Does CAFRE provide business support for agri-food enterprises?
Yes, we offer technical resources, knowledge transfer programmes, and benchmarking services to help agri-food businesses innovate, improve sustainability, and grow.
Are there international opportunities for students and staff?
CAFRE facilitates global learning experiences through international partnerships, enabling students and staff to exchange knowledge and adopt new technologies.
