CAFRE celebrates 25 years of Horticulture Higher Education as Class of 2025 graduates

Class of 2025 Foundation Degree in Horticulture graduates: Jaime Hudson from Newcastle; Fay Hunter from Ballyclare; Helen Black from Bangor; Jeanne Bertille from Belfast; Jeffrey Morris from Kilkeel; Katherine Ritchie from Belfast; Oonah Stringer from Downpatrick and David Mallon from Drumaness.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has marked a significant milestone in 2025: 25 years of delivering Higher Education programmes in Horticulture at its Greenmount Campus in Antrim.

The silver anniversary was commemorated during the recent graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025—an event filled with celebration, reflection, and optimism for the future of the land-based industries.

From its early beginnings with a Higher National Diploma in 2000, CAFRE’s horticultural education offering has grown steadily. The original diploma programme evolved into a Foundation Degree, and in 2021, the institution reached another milestone when Ulster University validated a BSc (Hons) Degree in Horticulture.

Fay Hunter from Ballyclare graduated with a Distinction in the Foundation Degree in Horticulture which she studied at CAFRE Greenmount Campus. Fay intends to further her develop of plant scince through studying at The Eden Project, Cornwall.

CAFRE’s focus has always been on industry relevance, blending academic learning with real-world experience. Students benefit from strong links with horticultural businesses through work placements, bursaries, study trips, and applied learning opportunities.

These connections have helped ensure the curriculum remains current and that graduates are well-equipped for careers in a dynamic, ever-evolving sector.

The 2025 graduation ceremony brought together students, families, staff, and industry leaders to acknowledge academic success and professional potential.

Degrees of success, BSc (Hons) Degree in Horticulture graduates Sandra-Gai Carney from Crumlin, Richard Murray from Hillsborough and Jeni Graham from Castlrock celebrate their achievements at the CAFRE Graduation Ceremony.

The event was chaired by Katrina Godfrey, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and featured speeches from CAFRE Director Paul McHenry and guest speaker Professor Ursula Lavery MBE.

Mr McHenry congratulated the graduates, saying:

“Graduation Day is the pinnacle of the academic calendar, a well-earned celebration of your hard work. 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.”

Jeni Graham from Castlerock was presented with the DAERA Prize when she graduated as top student on the BSc (Hons) Degree in Horticulture programme. Jeni is congratulated by Katrina Godfrey (Permanent Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) and James Crawford (Senior Lecturer, CAFRE)

Among the standout graduates was Jeni Graham from Castlerock, who achieved a First-Class Honours Degree in Horticulture. Jeni now plans to continue her academic journey with the goal of attaining a Doctorate.

Seven students were awarded Foundation Degrees with Distinction, four of whom completed their studies part-time—a testament to their dedication and determination.

With horticulture playing an increasingly important role in Northern Ireland’s rural economy and food production ambitions, CAFRE’s Class of 2025 graduates enter a sector full of opportunity.

Government support for expanding local food crop production is paving the way for new innovation and growth in the industry.

Jeanne Bertille from Belfast celebrated with her husband Nathan, when she graduated with a Foundation Degree in Horticulture at the CAFRE Higher Education Ceremony. Jeanne intends to study internationally. She has applyied to the Merlin Trust Travel Bursary, to complete a study tour of endemic plants and pursue an Internship at Auckland Botanic Gardens, New Zealand.

As CAFRE reflects on 25 years of horticultural excellence, its commitment to future generations remains unwavering. Applications are currently open for September enrolment, offering prospective students the chance to join a respected institution at the forefront of horticulture education.

To learn more or apply, visit: www.cafre.ac.uk