CAFRE launches new Sustainable Agri-Food Degree
January 23, 2025
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has been working in partnership with Ulster University. They are redeveloping its Food degree offerings at Loughry Campus, Cookstown.
In 2024, CAFRE received approval to reformulate three previous food degrees. Consequently, they created a new BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Innovation Management with pathways in Nutrition and Technology. CAFRE is also identifying opportunities to connect functions within the agri-food industry. They have been developing a new BSc (Hons) Degree in Sustainable Agri-Food Management. This degree is currently awaiting validation by Ulster University.
Fintan McCann, Head of Food Education at Loughry Campus, remarked on the new course development. “With the global population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, we must prepare for challenges in food systems.” Media today often highlights climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic imbalances. As a result, consumers are increasingly aware of the need to change how we produce, distribute, and consume food.

“Against this backdrop, the decision to introduce a new degree for 2025 in Sustainable Agri-Food Management has never been more relevant. The new BSc Honours Degree will adopt a multidisciplinary approach to develop learners’ knowledge and skills across the food supply chain, from farm to fork”, said Mr McCann.
Senior Lecturer Dr. Gillian Stevenson has been leading her team in creating the submission document for validating the new course at Ulster University. Commenting on the course she said, “CAFRE is uniquely placed to deliver this integrated agri-food programme. It will cover a broad spectrum of topics, thus providing learners with a unique insight into the agri-food supply chain. Additionally, the programme learning outcomes are tracked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They will address the challenges of sustainability, food security, and traceability across elements of primary production in horticulture and agriculture, food manufacture and quality. Learners will develop their knowledge of the supply chain and strategic business management”.
“The course aims to provide learners with a stimulating academic education and practical experiences across CAFRE’s campuses for enhanced learning. Module delivery will incorporate the use of extensive educational facilities. These include the Food Technology Centre, the Food Innovation Centre, and the Science Laboratories at Loughry Campus. Additionally, it will utilise the Farm and Production Centres at Greenmount Campus.” added Dr Stevenson.
The BSc (Hons) Degree in Sustainable Agri-Food Management is an interdisciplinary course which offers opportunities for students with an interest in primary production to transfer their knowledge into the food supply chain. Learners will gain insights into crop production, livestock management, and sustainable land use while understanding ecological and environmental systems applied to the process of food production and retailing.
Consumers are drivers of change. Therefore, cultural, social, and behavioural aspects of food consumption are integral to shaping sustainable practices. Degree learners will explore how consumer behaviour and ethics influence agri-food systems, in an effort to develop strategic sustainable solutions.
Graduates of the Sustainable Agri-Food Degree will be well-positioned for a wide range of impactful careers. These careers include measuring and reporting sustainability metrics, food security, and research and innovation. Not only does the qualification aim to opens doors to diverse career paths but it also offers learners satisfaction knowing they can contribute to solutions that benefit people and the planet.
Become a changemaker at CAFRE. Apply now to study on the new BSc (Hons) Degree in Sustainable Agri-Food Management course at Loughry Campus. Play your part in creating a future where food systems are productive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable.
Discover your possibilities at CAFRE. For course information attend our next Open Day on Tuesday, 25 March 2025. Applications for September 2025 are open through UCAS using course code: DB65 Visit: www.ucas.com to apply.