CAFRE students reach agri-food debate semi-finals after standout performance

Students Niamh Reid (Glenarm), Jessica Cuthbertson (Sixmilecross), Caleb Orr (Ballymena), TJ Hamilton (Armagh), Jane May (Portadown) and Grace Hunter (Dungannon) represented CAFRE at the Great Agri-Food Debate.

Students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) have reached the semi-finals of a major all-island agri-food debating competition after impressing judges with arguments on some of the biggest challenges facing farming and food production.

The CAFRE team, made up of students from both Greenmount and Loughry campuses, competed in the 10th Annual Great Agri-Food Debate, taking on universities from across Ireland in a contest centred on the future of agriculture, food policy and land use.

Their success saw the Northern Ireland college progress through the quarter-finals before eventually being narrowly defeated in the semi-finals following what organisers described as a closely contested round.

The competition shines a spotlight on the next generation of voices entering the agri-food sector — an industry that remains central to the economy and rural communities across Northern Ireland.

CAFRE team progressed after quarter-final win

Representing CAFRE were team captain Caleb Orr alongside Niamh Reid, Jane May and TJ Hamilton, who are all studying for BSc (Hons) degrees in Agricultural Technology.

They were joined by Grace Hunter, a BSc (Hons) Food Innovation and Nutrition student, and Jessica Cuthbertson, who is studying Food Business Management.

In the quarter-final stage, CAFRE was tasked with proposing the motion that “EU/UK budgetary pressures and changing priorities are a greater risk to UK/Irish farming than the Mercosur agreement”.

The team faced opponents from Munster Technological University (MTU) in what was described as a lively debate.

CAFRE emerged successful from the round, securing a place in the semi-finals held at South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford.

BSc (Hons) Food Business Management student Jessica Cuthbertson was awarded Best Speaker in Quarter Final of the Great Agri-Food Debate.

Food Degree student Jessica Cuthbertson was also recognised individually after being awarded Best Speaker for the quarter-final round.

Debate tackled controversial land use issues

The semi-finals brought together four institutions — CAFRE, University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork (UCC) and SETU.

CAFRE was allocated the task of opposing the motion: “It is ethical to use high-quality agricultural land for solar energy farms.”

University College Dublin proposed the motion and ultimately won the debate following deliberation from the judging panel.

The subject reflects a growing tension within the farming sector as pressure increases on land use, renewable energy expansion and food production — issues that continue to generate strong debate across rural communities.

For Northern Ireland students preparing to enter the agri-food industry, the competition offered direct exposure to the complex policy and economic challenges shaping the sector’s future.

Students reflect on experience

CAFRE students described the competition as a valuable learning opportunity that pushed them beyond the classroom environment.

Jessica Cuthbertson said:

“The Great Agri-Food Debate pushed me to think sharper, speak clearer and value the importance of preparation.”

Agriculture student TJ Hamilton added:

“The more perspectives I heard, the more my own perspective grew.”

The annual debate is supported by Dawn Meats and McDonald’s, with organisers aiming to encourage discussion and leadership among future agri-food professionals.

CAFRE staff and students thanked both organisations for supporting the event and helping provide a platform for young people to debate major issues affecting farming and food production.

CAFRE encouraging applications across agri-food sector

CAFRE is encouraging prospective students interested in careers in agriculture, food, business and rural industries to explore its range of study pathways.

The college offers courses from Level 2 through to MSc level, including apprenticeship routes alongside full-time and part-time study options.

With agriculture and food production remaining one of Northern Ireland’s most important industries, colleges such as CAFRE continue to play a key role in developing future talent for the sector.

Anyone interested in studying at CAFRE can contact the college directly to learn more about available courses and application options.