Northern Ireland agricultural college launches water quality training for agri-professionals

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise has launched a water quality training programme for agri-professionals, with initial sessions held recently at the college's Greenmount Campus in Northern Ireland.

Agriland reported that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs outlined that the training is aimed at supporting agri-professionals who work directly with farmers to protect Northern Ireland's waterways. The sessions have been developed to provide clear, practical guidance by strengthening knowledge and promoting best practice to drive positive changes at farm level.

Don Morrow, head of dairy, pigs, poultry and crops at Greenmount Campus, said the training looks at the increasing importance of sustainable land management. He added: "We discuss practical steps farmers can take to protect water bodies, including improved nutrient planning, precision application techniques, and measures to reduce diffuse pollution."

The training sessions form part of Northern Ireland's wider Sustainable Agriculture Programme, which aims to support the transition towards more environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Within SAP, the Supporting Agri-Professionals Programme focuses on professional development and technical expertise for those working across the agricultural advisory sector. CAFRE noted that this initiative is designed to equip agricultural advisors and consultants with up-to-date information and practical skills that can be shared with farm businesses to help deliver environmental outcomes.

The programme reflects growing recognition that workforce capability development across advisory services directly impacts on-farm environmental performance. As regulatory requirements intensify and sustainable farming practices become mandatory, agricultural consultants require structured training to support client compliance and environmental outcomes.

Any agri-professional interested in attending the programme's future events can find more information on the business support area of CAFRE's website. The initiative represents strategic investment in professional development infrastructure supporting Northern Ireland's agricultural transition.

Access complete details and registration information through the CAFRE business support platform.