Horticulture

Adam Ferguson (Senior Lecturer) discusses Horticulture and Floristry course opportunities with prospective students and parents during a previous Greenmount Campus Open Day.

Grow your future in Horticulture and Floristry at Greenmount Campus Open Day

Professor Fernando Auat Cheein , Centre Lead for the Harper Institute of Technology

Harper Adams University secures £5 million Leverhulme grant

Career changer Jenni Campbell completed CAFRE’s FdSc and BSc (Hons) in Horticulture in 2025, pictured with Senior Lecturer, James Crawford.

Career changers encouraged to take a new direction through horticulture at CAFRE

Kyle Irvine, Level 2 Horticulture student, developed the skills needed for a career in the horticulture industry at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus.

Now is the time to consider a career in Horticulture or Floristry at CAFRE

UFU vegetable committee chair, Trevor Gabbie, UFU deputy president, Clement Lynch and UFU vegetable committee vice-chair, Roy Lyttle.

Andrew Muir MLA visits the farm of UFU vegetable committee chair Trevor Gabb

Local farmer William Miller from Limavady visited Ballytober Primary School to teach the pupils how onions are planted and grown.

Arable and Horticulture update

Horticulture student from the Class of 1986, Anne-Marie Grant (nee Fitzpatrick) is getting ready to welcome back former classmates to the 40-year reunion at CAFRE, with Greenmount Association Committee Members Robert Edwards and Patrick Fee.

Friendships never really fade; forty-year reunion for Class of 1986

The land-based sector adds £2.5 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and supports 452,900 jobs, often in rural and remote areas.

Ad Feature Failure to invest in agricultural training risks UK food security

Oonah Stringer (Downpatrick) fulfilled her passion in horticulture by returning to study at CAFRE.

Three stories, one message: It is never too late to grow

Rob Mason, Level 2 Apprentice in Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces demonstrated the practical tasks completed whilst studying at CAFRE.

Careers in horticulture and floristry showcased at Greenmount Campus open day

Photo caption 5: The Ulster Farmers’ Union Horticulture Bursary was presented by Patrica Erwin to Helen McAneney from Bangor. Helen is studying on the Foundation Degree in Horticulture course at Greenmount Campus.

Industry partners support growth of Horticulture students at CAFRE

The Conversation Volunteers representative and BSc (Hons) in Horticulture graduate Edele Feenan, caught up with Senior Lecturer Colman Byrne at the CAFRE Careers Fair.

18 pictures from the The ‘Opportunities in Horticulture’ Careers Fair

Riona Doherty (Derry) and Coraigh Lynch (Greysteel), along with Senior Lecturer, Alison Morris encourages those interested in studying at CAFRE to book to attend an Open Day

Ad Feature Don’t miss Open Week at CAFRE

Paul McHenry, interim College Director and Liz Simpson, Student Recruitment Lead, invite you to explore your study options at CAFRE during Spring Open Week, 7 – 13 March 2026.

CAFRE is preparing for a busy Spring Open Week

Teagasc celebrated the graduation of Ireland’s first Higher Education Apprentices in Land-Based Sectors at an event yesterday, Wednesday, 4 February in Tullamore, Co Offaly. Graduates were presented with their certificates by Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills. Minister Harkin is pictured with the winners of the Apprentice of the Year 2025 awards in the four programmes (L to R), Conor Comerford, Horticulturist Apprenticeship Programme; Mike Madden, Farm Technician Apprenticeship Programme; James Kiely, Sportsturf Management Apprenticeship Programme; and Jack Corkery, Farm Manager Apprenticeship Programme

Teagasc celebrates Higher Education Apprentices in Land-Based Sectors graduation

Ben Neill from Newtownabbey is developing his passion for plants through studying Horticulture at CAFRE, Greenmount Campus.

Ben hopes to pursue a career in garden design and maintenance
Ben Neill, a former Royal School Armagh pupil has turned a personal passion for gardening into a promising career path at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).
By The Newsroom

DAERA Minister Muir with Kieran Lavelle, CAFRE Senior Horticulture Policy Adviser invite applications to the Horticulture Pilot Scheme.

Applications for the Horticulture Pilot Scheme are open

DAERA Minister Muir with Kieran Lavelle, CAFRE Senior Horticulture Policy Adviser invite applications to the Horticulture Pilot Scheme.

Andrew Muir hears about advances in Horticulture

Doug Thompson (Irish Garden Plants, Seaforde) and Berta Cunha (Horticulture Policy Adviser, CAFRE) encourage interested businesses to explore the available support and consider applying for the Growers’ Training and Support Pilot Scheme.

Applications are now open for the Growers’ Training and Support Pilot Scheme

Charlotte Benson from Lisburn was awarded a Level 2 Technical Certificate in Floristry at the Greenmount Campus Awards Day. She is continuing her studies at CAFRE on the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Horticulture.

In Pictures: Horticulture Awards presented at CAFRE

Aidan Murphy, who is studying part-time at CAFRE on the Foundation Degree course pictured with a champion Ash tree in Biogradska National Park, Montenegro.

Remarkable nine-day botanical expedition to Montenegro

Patrick Fee and Robert Edwards, past Greenmount students, are planning the Greenmount Association’s 40 year anniversary reunion for the Class of 1985 on Friday 26 September at CAFRE Greenmount Campus, Antrim.

Greenmount student reunion for class of 1985

Congratulations to Richard Murray from Hillsborough who graduated with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Horticulture at the Higher Education Ceremony at CAFRE. Richard completed his qualification through part-time study, whilst working in his business Lakeland Horticulture. Graduation with an Honours Degree marked the completion of seven years of part-time study, having first enrolled on the Foundation Degree back in 2018 at Greenmount Campus, Antrim.

In pictures: Horticulture graduates from CAFRE

Minister Muir with Alex Lyttle and Lyndsay Curran at their farm outside Newtownards.

Scheme aims to foster innovation and support sustainable practices

Sarah Hetherington from Sixmilecross is studying on the BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Business Management at Loughry Campus. Sarah was awarded the ABP Food Group Scholarship from David Kelly, Senior Food Safety, Integrity and Quality Manager.

In pictures: CAFRE students received bursaries

David Dowd, Acting Head of Horticulture caught up with Ards and North Down Council staff Josh Fox, Tiernan Kelly, David Conn and Rae Lowry at the Greenmount Campus, Opportunities in Horticulture Careers Fair.

14th annual ‘Opportunities in Horticulture Careers Fair’

Mackle Pet Foods presented two financial awards at the Industry Support Programme event. Abbie Gillanders from Dungannon was presented with a Bursary and Molly Cunningham from Cookstown was awarded with a Scholarship by Jonathan Fowler, Head of Production.

In pictures: CAFRE students received bursaries
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is delighted to announce the overall total of the Industry Bursary and Scholarship awards on offer to Higher Education students for the 2024-2025 academic year stands at an impressive £96,000.
By The Newsroom

Employees from Kerry Omagh celebrated completing Level 3 Food and Drink Industry Apprenticeship training with CAFRE Lecturing staff Betty McLean and Alison Glover when they received their qualifications at the Loughry Campus Awards Day. (Pic: CAFRE)

Apprenticeship training at CAFRE

Agriculture Apprenticeship learners who were presented with their qualifications achieved through training at Enniskillen Campus with Philip Holdsworth (CAFRE Senior Lecturer) and William Johnston (CAFRE Lecturer).

Apprenticeship training at CAFRE

CAFRE Veterinary Nursing Lecture, Claire Morris, pictured centre, congratulating Chloe Millar and Matthew Lee on their achievement at the annual Land-based and Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards. The event was held at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham. The LBEL Awards are a partnership between Lantra and Landex to celebrate achievements of those studying in land-based colleges and universities

CAFRE success at Land-Based and Environment Learner Awards 2024 in Birmingham

Rodney Boyd (Garvagh) was presented with the DAERA Prize awarded to the top Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Horticulture student. Rodney received his award from Johnston Shaw (CAFRE, Lecturer) at the Greenmount Campus Awards Ceremony.

Rodney has found a true passion for all things Horticulture

Jasmine Clarke (Omagh) received the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Prize as the top Level 2 Technical Certificate in Floristry student. Jasmine was presented with her award by Sherry Suett (CAFRE, Lecturer) at the CAFRE, Greenmount Campus Awards Day.

Further Education Awards at CAFRE Greenmount Campus

Book to attend CAFRE Open Week! Food students at CAFRE, Catherine Richmond (Ballymoney) Lucy McKeeman (Ballymoney) and Charlotte Smyth (Ballyclare) encourage you to attend the CAFRE Open Week to discover a course for you after Year 12 or Year 14. Register now at www.cafre.ac.uk/events.

If you are thinking college… discover CAFRE

Book to attend CAFRE Open Week! Food students at CAFRE, Catherine Richmond (Ballymoney) Lucy McKeeman (Ballymoney) and Charlotte Smyth (Ballyclare) encourage you to attend the CAFRE Open Week to discover a course for you after Year 12 or Year 14. Register now at www.cafre.ac.uk/events.

If you are thinking college… discover CAFRE

CAFRE students invite you to attend Open Week events from Tuesday 8th October to Saturday 12th October, at Loughry Campus (Cookstown), Greenmount Campus (Antrim) and Enniskillen Campus. Sarah Carleton (Magherafelt), Lorcan Maneely (Belfast), Jack Gilbert (Newtownards) and Charlotte Benson (Antrim) and the Student Ambassador Team are ready to welcome you. www.cafre.ac.uk/events/

Open days at CAFRE show a world of opportunities

Lori Hartman (Senior Lecturer, CAFRE) and Martin Wooster (lecturer, CAFRE) welcomed WorldSkills UK finalists back to Greenmount Campus to share their competition experiences with Floristry and Horticulture students. Pictured are Anna McLoughlin (Ballymena), Edel Michael (Maghera), Jacob Mercer (Newtownabbey) and Aimee Copeland (Randalstown).

CAFRE graduates enjoy Horticulture Careers Day

CAFRE Horticulture degree students Katie Ritchie, Jonathan Kyle and Gavin Adams were presented with bursaries by idverde and Bulrush at the Greenmount Campus Bursary Awards event. Celebrating with the students and industry representatives, Bronagh Vallely and Geraint Lloyd Evans, are James Crawford (Senior Lecturer, CAFRE) and Dr Eric Long (Head of Education, CAFRE).

Bursaries awarded to horticulture students

Kyle Ross from Randalstown a BSc (Hons) Degree in Horticulture student used the Opportunities in Horticulture Careers Fair to engage with professional organisations.

‘Opportunities in Horticulture Careers Fair’ held

Timothy with his sheepdog Shep.

Katesbridge Man Timothy Smith in the running for election to the Ulster Wool Boa...

Carla Lockhart visits Bannville Bloom and Brew. Pic: DUP

MP supports Bannvale Bloom and Brew

CAFRE Horticulture representatives Aimee Copeland (Randalstown), Anna McLoughlin (Ballymena) and Jacob Mercer (Glengormley) will compete in WorldSkills Landscape Gardening National Finals later this month in Manchester.

Students heading to WorldSkills National Finals

Rachel Reid, a former pupil of Royal School Dungannon and South West College, Dungannon is completing her final year of study at Loughry Campus. Studying for a BSc (Honours) Degree in Food Business Management, Rachel completed a work placement year with Hughes Mushrooms. Rachel said: “Working alongside the Product Development team I learnt so much. From taste trials in the NPD kitchen to sensory evaluation and organoleptic assessment of product from factory trials, I got totally involved and felt really valued. It's great to put learning from Loughry into real production scenarios.” Book to attend the Open Day at Loughry Campus on Tuesday 10 October to discover more about innovative food degree programmes at CAFRE.

CAFRE courses kick off this weekend

RHS Harlow Carr

RHS offer £1 entry to its gardens for low income households

UFU president David Brown on his farm in Fermanagh. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

UK farming unions issue letter to Energy Security and Net Zero SoS

Horticulture student, Jacob Mercer from Newtownabbey, with Head of Horticulture CAFRE, Paul Mooney, along with Stephen Mackle, Acting Head of Parks, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, and student, Rory Dougan from Derry, at the CAFRE Horticulture Careers Event.

CAFRE students attend Horticulture Careers Fair

Julianne Edgar (Kilkeel) was presented with the Dale Farm Co-Operative Award by Paul Reaney (Farm Services, Dale Farm) at the Greenmount Campus autumn graduation event. Julianne received the award for performance in milk production and was congratulated by Cathy Adams (CAFRE, Lecturer)

Autumn graduation celebrations at Greenmount Campus

Jessica Morrow from Ballymoney, a former pupil of Coleraine Grammar School, is studying on her final year of the BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Innovation and Nutrition course at CAFRE. Jessica is delighted she ‘picked’ to study a Food Degree qualification at Loughry Campus.

Picking courses? Choose CAFRE!

Congratulations to Jamie Gault (Randalstown) who graduated as the top Horticulture Foundation Degree student at the Greenmount Campus Graduation ceremony. Jamie received the Fred Olver Trophy from Roy Lyttle, Guest Speaker (Vice Chairman of the Ulster Farmers’ Union Vegetable Committee, RL Produce) and Professor Curran (Executive Dean, Ulster University).

15 pictures from the Greenmount Horticulture graduation

Diarmuid Gavin, Garden Designer and Paul Mooney, Head of Horticulture, CAFRE with Horticulture students Luke Donald (Carrickfergus) and Audrey Tam (Castlerock) at the Horticulture Careers Day held at Greenmount Campus

Why not grow your career and study horticulture at CAFRE?

CAFRE Floristry graduate Clara Agnew from Hamiltonsbawn was selected to train as part of squad UK, to compete for Floristry on Team UK in Shanghai for WorldSkills 2022.

CAFRE Horticulture and Floristry students at WorldSkills UK competitions

Simon Gueller recipes

Blackberry Cluster

Late summer is such a very magical time in the food calendar for chefs

Arable and Horticulture update

Alison Donaghy (left) from Dungannon and Ellie Kee (right) from Castlederg thank CAFRE Careers Adviser, Liz Simpson for helping them make their best decision, to study on the BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Innovation and Nutrition course at CAFRE, Loughry Campus.

Applying for Degree study?

Alison Donaghy (left) from Dungannon and Ellie Kee (right) from Castlederg thank CAFRE Careers Adviser, Liz Simpson for helping them make their best decision, to study on the BSc (Hons) Degree in Food Innovation and Nutrition course at CAFRE, Loughry Campus.

Ad Feature Discover Degree courses at CAFRE

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