Food students at CAFRE’s Loughry campus were presented with bursaries today from 14 private companies from the agri-food industry in NI.

Level 4 and 5 students at Loughry were eligible to apply for each bursary with the winner being selected by written essays, interviews or the highest mark in a particular module.

This is the fifth year of the programme, with four new companies providing bursaries this year. Bursaries totaling £16,000 were presented to students.

Speaking at the presentation today, Acting Director of CAFRE Sam Kennedy said: “The links the college has with the industry through initiatives like the bursary competition are very important for the students. Companies are prepared to put up money to show their commitment to students and young people coming forward into the industry.” 

“We are delighted to again be supporting students at Loughry with a bursary award. By providing a bursary award and placement opportunities we are demonstrating our commitment to investing in the future of the agri-food industry,”  said Amanda McCrea

The joint Fane Valley and Linden Foods bursary winner was Laura Reddick from Armagh. Laura graduated from Loughry in 2015 with a National Diploma in Food Technology and has decided to continue her studies at Loughry. She is currently in her first year of a BSc (Hons) Food Technology degree.

“Laura really impressed in her application and interview. Her family farming background and her passion for the agricultural industry was exceptional. She is an all-rounder with talents off the farm. Currently working part time in the catering industry, she has a newfound appreciation for ‘farm to fork’,” concluded Amanda.