From Ballymena to Toomebridge: local students win big at CAFRE awards

Ross Lorimer of Lakeland Dairies presents a scholarship award to Ballymena student Megan Ross at the CAFRE Industry Support event.

Students from Ballymena, Portglenone and Toomebridge have been recognised among the next generation of agri-food talent, securing bursaries and scholarships at a major industry-backed awards event in Cookstown.

The presentation, hosted at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus, saw significant financial backing from leading agri-food businesses awarded to students – with local recipients standing out for their achievements and future potential in a sector worth more than £6 billion annually to Northern Ireland.

Local success stories take centre stage

Among those honoured was Ballymena student Megan Ross, who received a prestigious scholarship supported by Lakeland Dairies.

Currently in the second year of her BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Innovation Management, Megan will now complete a paid industry placement as part of her award – offering both financial support and invaluable hands-on experience.

Megan Birney presents the Fane Valley Bursary to Portglenone student Rachel Moore at the CAFRE Industry Support event.

From Portglenone, Rachel Moore was awarded a Fane Valley bursary as a first-year student on the same Food Innovation Management course, recognising her early promise in the field.

Meanwhile, Toomebridge student Gemma McNeilly secured a Danske Bank bursary.

Seamus McCormick, Senior Agribusiness Manager at Danske Bank, presents the bursary award to Toomebridge student Gemma McNeilly at the CAFRE Industry Support event.

Gemma is in her first year studying Sustainable Agri-Food Management, a course designed to equip students with the skills needed to meet the sector’s growing environmental and economic challenges.

£106,000 investment in future talent

The awards formed part of CAFRE’s Industry Support Programme, which this year delivered an impressive £106,000 in financial support across agriculture, equine, food and horticulture disciplines.

Speaking at the event, Head of Food Education Fintan McCann highlighted the scale and importance of industry collaboration:

“Today we recognise the significant scale of financial support from our industry partners across our degree disciplines… with an impressive £106,000 being awarded.”

Food students alone received £35,500, including £18,000 in bursaries for first-year students and £17,500 in scholarships for second-year students.

More than funding – a pathway into industry

Beyond financial support, the awards provide a direct bridge into the agri-food sector, with scholarship recipients gaining access to paid work placements and early career opportunities.

CAFRE Interim Director Paul McHenry highlighted the importance of nurturing new talent:

“The Agri-Food industry is a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s economy… with total sales exceeding £6 billion per year and a workforce of over 113,000 staff.”

He also pointed to the global context driving demand for skilled graduates:

“The United Nations estimates the global population is expected to approach 10 billion by 2050… the Northern Ireland Agri-Food sector is well positioned for continued growth and long-term career opportunities.”

Building careers in a growing global sector

With around 90% of Northern Ireland’s agri-food output destined for export markets, the sector continues to offer strong career prospects for graduates.

CAFRE emphasised that partnerships with industry not only ease financial pressures on students but also help them develop practical skills, industry connections and real-world experience.

“The generous support we receive from our industry partners better enables our students to focus on their studies, broaden their skills and ultimately, excel in their chosen fields,” Mr McHenry added.

Opportunities still open for new students

CAFRE is encouraging prospective students to consider careers in the food industry, highlighting opportunities for those interested in practical, team-based and globally relevant work.

Courses at Loughry Campus range from Level 2 apprenticeships to full honours degrees, with applications for September still open.

For further information visit www.cafre.ac.uk

At a glance

• Students from Ballymena, Portglenone and Toomebridge recognised at CAFRE awards

• Megan Ross (Ballymena) secured a scholarship with paid industry placement

• Rachel Moore (Portglenone) and Gemma McNeilly (Toomebridge) received bursaries

• £106,000 awarded across CAFRE’s Industry Support Programme

• Food students received £35,500 in total funding

• Scholarships include £2,500 plus paid work placements

• Agri-food sector contributes over £6 billion annually to NI economy

• Industry employs more than 113,000 people across Northern Ireland

• Strong demand for graduates as global population grows

• Applications still open for CAFRE courses starting this September