Bursary and scholarship opportunities at CAFRE

STUDENTS at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) have wel-

comed the launch of the 2022-23 Student Bursary and Scholarship Programme.

With a total cash value of £94,500, the programme is sponsored by leading agri-food and land-based businesses.

As CAFRE celebrates 25 years of bursary support, Martin McKendry, CAFRE Director, said: “The college management appreciate the gener-ous financial commitment made by bursary and scholarship providers in supporting the next generation of talent entering the agriculture, food, horticulture and equine industries. At a time when many students are facing challenging financial pressures, this support is especially welcomed.”

Bursary awards, with a total value of £72,000, are open to all first year students studying on higher education courses at Enniskillen, Greenmount and Loughry campuses. Forty-eight bursaries, each with a cash award of £1,500, will be presented to successful applicants in Semester 2.

Agriculture bursary sponsors include AI Services, Calor Gas, Dale Farm, Danske Bank, Fane Valley, Genus ABS, Gibson Trust, Irish Farmers Journal, John Thompson & Sons, Lakeland Dairies, Livestock and Meat Commission Northern Ireland, MH Farms Ltd, Moy Park, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Tyrone Farming Society, Ulster Farmers’ Union, Ulster Grassland Society and Yara.

Equine bursary sponsors include Ballylinch Stud, Blue Grass, Coolmore Stud, Danske Bank, Downpatrick Racecourse, Gerry Dilger Foundation, Horse Sport Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland, Irish Farmers’ Journal, Juddmonte, Showjumping Ireland, The Aga Khan Stud, Tinnakill House Stud, Tyrone Farming Society, Ulster Carpets and Weatherbys.

Food bursary sponsors include Dale Farm, Fane Valley, Kerry Omagh, Kerry Portadown, Lakeland Dairies, Mash Direct, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, Tyrone Farm-ing Society and Westrock MPS.

Horticulture bursary sponsors include Bulrush, Calor Gas, Gibson Trust and two from Idverde.

The scholarship competition, with a total value of £22,500, is open to eligible second year students studying on Ulster University valid-

ated degree programmes at Enn-iskillen, Greenmount and Loughry campuses.

Nine scholarships are being offered, each with a cash award of £2,500 and a work placement opportunity. These will provide students with a direct link to the industry to develop technical skills.

Agriculture scholarships sponsors are Moy Park and Silver Hill Duck.

Joint Agriculture/Food scholarship sponsors are ABP Lurgan, ABP Newry and Linden ABP.

Food scholarships sponsors are Dunbia, Lakeland Dairies and Water Technology Ltd.

Equine scholarships sponsor is Godolphin.

Eric Long, Head of Education Service, said: “CAFRE Higher Educ-ation students have welcomed the outstanding support shown by the industry in making this extremely generous and transformative invest-ment in their future.”