CAFRE to join in the ‘Great Agri-Food Debate’
February 23, 2022
CAFRE is set to join agri-food students from across Ireland and the UK for the 7th Annual ‘Great Agri-Food Debate’. In what promises to be an exciting and intense virtual event, CAFRE’s Debate Team, made up of second year BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Technology students, will meet competition newcomers, Progressive Young Farmers, (McDonalds’ Placement Year students) to debate on whether ‘Regenerative agriculture is the future of farming’.
Sustainability and its role in the future of the agri-food industry will be central to the discussions between the eight colleges and universities who will debate virtually across three days from 2nd-4th March. Alongside CAFRE, agri-food students from University College Dublin, Munster Technological University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Waterford Institute of Technology and competition newcomers, University of Bath and Loughborough University will come together to debate on issues like whether organic beef farming at scale will deliver a viable return on investment and debate on the diversity and inclusivity of British and Irish agriculture. Further emphasis, if it was needed, on the importance of next generation agriculturalists and food technologists engaging in issues of common interest in the UK & Irish agri-food sector.
The Great Agri-Food Debate is a joint initiative between Dawn Meats and McDonald’s and CAFRE are delighted to be part of the competition for a fourth year, giving its students the opportunity to engage with the big issues of our times.
Wishing the team well, Manus Mc Henry Head of Agriculture Education, said, “Our Debating Team have been working hard gathering evidence and preparing their case. This is a great experience for our students and I am confident they will perform well in this very topical debate, I wish them every success in the competition”.
CAFRE’s debate with the Progressive Young Farmers will be streamed after 3.00pm on Wednesday 9th March. Follow us @discoverCAFRE or visit our website at www.cafre.ac.uk to find out more information on viewing details and links.
CAFRE’s Debating Dream Team
BSc (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Technology students Anneka Stewart, Limavady; Zoe Weir, Banbridge; Lawrence Whyte, Derrynoose; Rhonda Currie, Larne and Team Captain, Emma Ross, Markethill. Missing from the photo is team member, Helen Sinton, Tandragee