Food degree students graduate at CAFRE

Date published: 28 July 2026

Graduates were joined by family and friends at CAFRE's annual Graduation Ceremony, held at Greenmount Campus, Antrim, to celebrate their academic achievements.

Based in Cookstown, Loughry Campus is renowned for delivering industry-focused food education and developing the next generation of professionals for Northern Ireland's thriving agri-food sector. 

This year's graduates completed Ulster University validated degree programmes in Food Technology, Food Innovation and Nutrition, Food Business Management and Food Manufacture, equipping them with the knowledge, practical skills and industry experience demanded by employers.

Congratulating the thirty-six food course graduates, Mr Fintan McCann, Head of Food Education at Loughry Campus, said: "Graduation is an important occasion that recognises the hard work, perseverance and commitment of our students. Throughout their studies our students have embraced every opportunity, developing both their technical expertise and professional skills. We are delighted to celebrate their success and look forward to seeing the impact they will make across the agri-food industry in the years ahead."

Among this year's cohort, four students achieved First Class Honours Degrees in Food Business Management and Food Innovation and Nutrition; Jessica Cuthbertson from Sixmilecross, Rosalind Currie from Kilwaughter, Katie Givan from Dungannon and Rebecca Kirkland from Dungannon. 

CAFRE also recognised the accomplishments of fourteen Higher Level Apprenticeship students who successfully completed Foundation Degree qualifications; combining their studies with employment within Northern Ireland food companies.

A defining feature of the student experience at Loughry Campus is the strong emphasis placed on practical learning. Throughout their programmes, students gained hands-on experience in CAFRE's specialist food processing facilities, worked alongside industry partners and applied their learning to real-world challenges through industry projects and work placements.

The continued growth and resilience of Northern Ireland's food sector is reflected in the strong employment opportunities available to graduates. Northern Ireland's food and drink industry generates approximately £7.3 billion in economic value, supports almost 109,000 jobs, and accounts for over one-third of all manufacturing sales in Northern Ireland. Despite Northern Ireland having less than 3% of the population of the UK, we produce more than 10% of the UK’s food output. 

A career in the food industry not only provides security of employment, but also provides opportunities for travel, as food manufacturing is a global industry. Many members of this year's graduating class have already secured positions across a range of disciplines including food manufacturing, product development, quality assurance, sales and marketing, and supply chain management.

Food graduate Jessica Cuthbertson from Sixmilecross reflected on her time at Loughry Campus: "I’m delighted to have graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree in Food Business Management, validated by Ulster University. My time at Loughry has been incredibly rewarding. The support from staff, the friendships I've built and the opportunities to engage with industry have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I'm excited to begin my graduate career with the Foyle Food Group and to see where my future in food will take me." 

As graduates embark on the next stage of their careers, CAFRE staff proudly acknowledge their achievements and wish them every success for the future. Their accomplishments highlight the quality of higher education provision at Loughry Campus and the valuable contribution its graduates continue to make to the agri-food industry both locally and internationally.

Applications for courses commencing this September at Loughry Campus remain open. If you know someone getting exam results and wish to find out more about studying Agri-Food courses at CAFRE, please visit the CAFRE website.