CAFRE Higher Education graduation

Date published: 2 July 2026

Higher Education students in Agriculture, Equine, Food, Horticulture and Packaging came together at Greenmount Campus to celebrate their graduation. 

The ceremony marked the culmination of hands-on learning, dedication and academic excellence. Higher Education programmes delivered at CAFRE, are validated by Ulster University. Students and staff were pleased to welcome Professor Julie-Anne Little and Leslie George from the Ulster University and Dr Paul Williams from Queen’s University, Belfast to join the celebrations.

Graduates from the BSc Honours, Foundation Degree and Certificate of Higher Education programmes were honoured for their achievements. The event highlighted not only academic success but also the practical skills and leadership qualities that students have developed throughout their time at CAFRE.

Welcoming the students and guests to the ceremony Katrina Godfrey, Permanent Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) remarked: “Graduates here today have made an important investment in their skills and knowledge that will provide the foundation of their future career, whatever that is and wherever it may take them.”

CAFRE Director, Paul McHenry delivered his college report urging students to recognise that: “Today not only marks an important milestone in your lives, but as one step on a lifetime journey of learning. It is important that you take ownership of that journey, shaping your direction with purpose, confidence and ambition. The most successful professionals are those who never stand still, but continue to grow, adapt and innovate.”

CAFRE students have enjoyed a year filled with travel, industry connections and opportunities to develop their skills. Mr McHenry thanked all those businesses who attended Careers Days across the college and to the 2026 Industry Support Programme organisations who offered CAFRE students a combined value of £106,000 in bursary and scholarship awards. 

Congratulations were extended to all the students, and to the twelve students from across the programmes who attained First Class Honours in their Ulster University validated Honours Degree courses.

Presenting the prizes at the Graduation Ceremony, CAFRE was honoured to welcome Joe Osborne, Managing Director of Ochado Advisory. Joe, a familiar face in the equine industry, and to the CAFRE, is a highly experienced Thoroughbred racing and breeding executive. Joe spent more than three decades with Darley and Godolphin where he was Managing Director of Godolphin Ireland, before recently starting his own consultancy business.

Joe delivered a thought provoking and inspiring speech sharing life lessons of his own expansive career: “The future looks bright for you as graduates. Today is a unique point in your journey, a time of challenge, a time of opportunity, you deserve to feel proud of what you have already achieved.” 

He acknowledged the dedication the students had shown for their subjects, and that Equine, Agriculture, Food and Horticulture are in the interface of urban and rural. 

Joe remarked: “You are entering a world underpinned by science with inspiration, you understand the importance of sustainability in a fragile global ecosystem. What you have learned at CAFRE is the wisdom of mother nature.” 

Joe urged the students to consider their purpose and values to help keep themselves on the right road: “There is neither full nor fill in fulfilment, commit to a life of growth, not comfort. Growth comes from challenging yourself and through experience, so welcome each day as a gift of opportunity.” 

In concluding his address, Mr Osborne provided advice to the graduates, to: “Focus on yourself by trying to be a better person today than you were yesterday and commit to being a better you tomorrow. Be kind to yourself, your future is an adventure, not an ordeal. Celebrate today, embrace tomorrow with enthusiasm and purpose.” 

As the Class of 2026 steps into the next chapter of their careers, they carry with them the knowledge, passion, and professionalism that define CAFRE’s graduate reputation. Final words of encouragement were shared by the CAFRE Director to: “Be proud of all you have achieved, take time to recognise and celebrate your successes, both big and small, and always remember that success is not just about what you know; it is about what you do with that knowledge.”

If you are interested in a course to start or support your career in the agri-food or land based industries, please visit the CAFRE website to discover our range of full-time, part-time and short courses. Applications are still be accepted for courses starting in September 2026.