College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is a prominent institution located in Northern Ireland. It is dedicated to enhancing the agricultural landscape through innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Important Events

CAFRE has initiated a groundbreaking project to establish a network of 'Innovation Farms'. This initiative involves selecting seven dairy farms and seven beef farms to serve as model sites for demonstrating sustainable agricultural practices. These farms are part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs' (DAERA) Sustainable Agriculture Programme, showcasing cutting-edge techniques that promote environmental stewardship.

The project is supported by a team of technologists, advisers, and scheme support staff who ensure effective knowledge sharing and practical demonstrations at these Innovation Farms.

Company Plans

CAFRE aims to lead in sustainable agriculture by providing resources and expertise to showcase the benefits and feasibility of sustainable farming practices. The focus is on both the dairy and beef sectors, with the ultimate goal of promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship within the agricultural community.

Additionally, CAFRE is organizing a dairy-farming study tour program, offering up to 20 places for participants. This program is designed to further disseminate knowledge and foster collaboration among agricultural professionals.

Financial Indicators

CAFRE benchmarking highlights a 9.35p-per-litre gap in average milk production costs between the highest- and lowest-performing dairy businesses. The college advises farmers to examine winter feeding budgets to identify opportunities for cost reduction and margin improvement. Energy savings are identified as a potential area for cost reduction.