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A total of £75million is to be invested to refurbish two CAFRE campuses at Loughry and Greenmount in Northern Ireland.
Both campuses will undergo a significant refurbishment programme which will include new modern student accommodation and high-tech facilities to support student learning.
Announcing the refurbishment programme, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots said: "CAFRE has a well renowned reputation within the agri-food industry for providing excellent tuition and training facilities for the next generation of farmers, growers and agri-food personnel.
"I am delighted to announce a £75million investment which will revolutionise the facilities at CAFRE and underpin future sustainable growth of the Northern Ireland agri-food industry.
"The buildings at the heart of Loughry and Greenmount Campuses, where students live, study and socialise, were built over 50 years ago. It is therefore fitting that my Department is making this investment in the Centenary year of Northern Ireland. Our agri-food sector has faced many challenges over the past century and has grown to develop a global reputation for high quality food and traceability. It is now time to invest in each campus to provide modern, well-designed facilities which will meet the needs of students, staff and industry during the next century.
"This investment complements the recent launch of the BSc (Hons) Degrees in Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture and the Higher Level Apprenticeships in Food and will ensure that CAFRE remains at the forefront of agri-food education across these islands.The plans for Loughry will also include a Science Centre which will be shared with food research staff in the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). These top class facilities will be the centre of knowledge and innovation for the industry leaders and decision-makers of the future.
"CAFRE is well placed to deliver education, knowledge transfer and innovation programmes which will assist in the delivery of my Green Growth initiative. I also welcome the fact that the design and construction of the new buildings will be environmentally sustainable, enhancing the well-being of all who use, live and work in them."
