CAFRE to join in the ‘Great Agri-Food Debate’
March 2, 2023
CAFRE is set to join agri-food students from across Ireland and the UK for the 8th Annual ‘Great Agri-Food Debate’. In what promises to be an exciting and intense event, CAFRE’s Debating Team will meet competition newcomers, Munster Technical University. They will debate whether or not ‘Market economies can provide viable solutions to climate change’.
The Great Agri-Food Debate is a joint initiative between Dawn Meats and McDonald’s. CAFRE is delighted to be part of the competition for a fifth year, giving its students the opportunity to engage with the big issues of our times.
Sustainability and its role in the future of the agri-food industry will be central to discussions between the eight university and colleges who will debate virtually across three days. Agri-food students from Aberystwyth University, Progressive Young Farmers (McDonald’s Placement Year students), Dundalk Institute of Technology, South East Technical University, University of Cork and University College Dublin will come together to debate on climate change issues such as whether EU climate ambitions will endanger human health and whether or not the future of livestock production in the UK and Ireland is a grass-based diet.
CAFRE’s debating team comprises of students from both Loughry and Greenmount Campuses. BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Technology students Joel McCluggage (Ballymena) and Barry Woods (Raphoe, Co. Donegal) are joined by BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Business Management students Bethany Boyd (Cookstown), Katie McFettridge (Ballymena); BSc (Hons) in Food Technology students Anna Ramsey, (Ballymoney) and Orlagh McGovern (Omagh) and BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Technology student Conal McCafferty (Ballymena).
Wishing the team well, Manus McHenry, Head of Agriculture Education, said, “This debate is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their listening and communication skills. I know our team have been working hard to prepare their case for this year’s competition. I would like to wish them every success and hope they enjoy the experience”.
The debates will be streamed from Monday 6th to Thursday 9th March with the winners announced on Friday 10th March. Good luck Team CAFRE!