CAFRE’s team reach final of Great Agri-Food Debate

Date published: 4 December 2024

The competition is a joint initiative organised by Dawn Meats and McDonald’s. Third level college teams from across Ireland and the UK entered the competition in search of the coveted GAFD trophy. Virtual stages of the event challenged seven teams to debate topical issues relevant to the agri-food industry, consumers and communities.

Four teams progressed to the semi-final stage, this year hosted in Waterford. They included CAFRE, Munster Technological University, Kerry (MTU), South East Technological University, Waterford (SETU), and University College Cork (UCC).

In their semi-final, the CAFRE team met opponents MTU to debate the motion that, ‘The carnivore diet is an effective solution to modern health issues caused by processed foods.’

The CAFRE team, comprised of second year degree students. At the core were four BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Technology students; Victoria Morrison (Team Captain), Emma Forbes, Caitriona O’Kane and Louise Weir. BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Business Management students Molly Cunningham and Anna Jackson augmented the team.

After an exciting and intense semi-final, CAFRE were announced winners and progressed through to the finals of the debate. This time the college had to propose ‘People believe social media influencers more than scientific fact about red meat consumption’. Opposing the motion was South East Technological University (SETU).

Judging the final debate were Niall Browne, CEO at Dawn Meats, John Byrne, McDonald’s Franchisee and John Murray, Director of Food, Beverage and Horticulture at Bord Bia. Unfortunately, even with well-presented arguments, it wasn’t to be for the CAFRE team, who were announced as runners up.

John Byrne presented Emma Forbes from Ardboe the prize for Best Speaker for both her contributions to the semi-final and final debate. On speaking about the experience Emma said: “Representing CAFRE in the Great Agri Food Debate was a fantastic experience. Being awarded best speaker twice was such an honour when you consider the high calibre of the competing teams.”

Commending the students Niall Browne, Chief Executive Officer at Dawn Meats, said: “This year’s final has been very tightly contested, with a high calibre of discussions by both teams. The competition is going from strength to strength. We are delighted by the enthusiasm of all teams. We hope to see some of those here today working in Dawn Meats or McDonald’s in the near future.”

Reflecting on the competition, Anna Jackson said: “What an experience! The debate was something completely different for me. I am so glad I took the opportunity to participate in this cross campus agri-food venture. It was great for us as Food students at Loughry Campus to connect with Agriculture students at Greenmount Campus to form a formidable debating team.”

CAFRE staff and students would like to thank Dawn Meats and McDonald’s for organising and supporting the Great Agri Food Debate. The event provides an inspiring platform for the next generation of agri-food leaders to take centre stage and share their knowledge and passion agri-food topical issues.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the agri-food industry discover BSc (Hons) Degrees and Foundation Degrees available to study at CAFRE. Become fanatical about Food courses at Loughry Campus, Cookstown or absorb yourself in Agriculture at Greenmount Campus, Antrim. Applications for September 2025 are currently open through the UACS website. For more information on courses visit the CAFRE website.