CAFRE launches new Sustainable Agri-Food Degree

Date published: 23 January 2025

In 2024, CAFRE received approval to reformulate three previous food degrees into a new BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Innovation Management with pathways in Nutrition and Technology. Identifying opportunities to connect functions within the agri-food industry, CAFRE has been developing a new BSc (Hons) Degree in Sustainable Agri-Food Management for validation by Ulster University.

Remarking on this new course development, Fintan McCann, Head of Food Education at Loughry Campus commented: “With the global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, we need to prepare now for the challenges the world's food systems are going to encounter. When we listen to the media it’s hard to avoid conversations on climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic imbalances. Consumers have never been more aware of the need to transform how we produce, distribute, and consume food.

“Against this backdrop, the decision to introduce a new degree for 2025 in Sustainable Agri-Food Management has never been more relevant. The new BSc Honours Degree will adopt a multidisciplinary approach to develop learners’ knowledge and skills across the food supply chain, from farm to fork”, said Mr McCann.

Senior Lecturer, Dr Gillian Stevenson has been leading the team creating the submission document for the validation of the new course with Ulster University. Commenting on the course she said: “CAFRE is uniquely placed to deliver this integrated agri-food programme. It will cover a broad spectrum of topics providing learners with a unique insight into the agri-food supply chain. The programme learning outcomes are tracked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and will address the challenges of sustainability, food security and traceability across elements of primary production in horticulture and agriculture, food manufacture and quality. Learners will develop their knowledge of the supply chain and strategic business management.

“The course has been developed to ensure learners are provided with a stimulating academic education benefitting from practical learning experiences across CAFRE’s campuses. Module delivery will incorporate the use of the extensive educational facilities within the Food Technology Centre, Food Innovation Centre, Science Laboratories at Loughry Campus alongside Farm and Production Centres at Greenmount Campus,” added Dr Stevenson.

The BSc (Hons) Degree in Sustainable Agri-Food Management is an interdisciplinary course which offers opportunities for students with an interest in primary production to transfer their knowledge into the food supply chain.

Learners will gain insights into crop production, livestock management, and sustainable land use while understanding ecological and environmental systems applied to the process of food production and retailing.

Consumers are drivers of change. Cultural, social, and behavioural aspects of food consumption are integral to shaping sustainable practices. Degree learners will explore how consumer behaviour and ethics influence agri-food systems in an effort to develop strategic sustainable solutions.

Graduates of the Sustainable Agri-Food Degree will be well-positioned for a wide range of impactful careers, including those within measuring and reporting sustainability metrics, food security, research and innovation. Not only does the qualification aim to opens doors to diverse career paths but it also offers learners satisfaction knowing they can contribute to solutions that benefit people and the planet.

Become a changemaker at CAFRE. Apply now to study on the new BSc (Hons) Degree in Sustainable Agri-Food Management course at Loughry Campus. Play your part in creating a future where food systems are productive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable. Discover your possibilities at CAFRE.

For course information visit: www.cafre.ac.uk or attend our next Open Day on Tuesday 25 March 2025.

Applications for September 2025 are open through UCAS using course code: DB65 Visit: www.ucas.com to apply.