Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute Campuses

The Crossnacreevy Campus, situated on the outskirts of Belfast, is a key facility for AFBI's veterinary and animal health research. It hosts specialized training programs that focus on diagnostic services, epidemiology, and biosecurity, serving as a center for professional development in the veterinary and agricultural fields. These courses are essential for veterinarians, lab technicians, and industry professionals aiming to combat emerging threats in animal and public health.

• Veterinary Diagnostics: Courses provide in-depth training on pathology, serology, and molecular diagnostics for diseases like bovine TB and avian influenza. Hands-on lab work includes necropsy techniques and PCR testing protocols.
• Epidemiology and Surveillance: Modules teach disease modeling, outbreak investigation, and risk assessment. Participants use statistical software to analyze surveillance data and develop containment strategies.
• Biosecurity and Farm Health: Practical programs cover hygiene standards, quarantine procedures, and welfare audits. Training includes site visits to implement biosecurity plans on real farms.
• Food Chain Assurance: Training focuses on residue monitoring, antimicrobial resistance, and traceability in meat production. Courses integrate regulatory frameworks with laboratory analysis for safe food supply.
• Wildlife and Zoonoses: Specialized workshops address interactions between wildlife, livestock, and humans. Topics include vector-borne diseases and conservation health, with field ecology components.

Equipped with advanced containment labs (BSL-3), Crossnacreevy supports high-impact learning environments. Partnerships with the Department of Agriculture enhance program relevance, offering certifications recognized across the UK. Annual training reaches 300+ participants, contributing to national disease control efforts. The campus's emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches prepares learners for global challenges, such as pandemics and trade compliance, while fostering research translation into practical veterinary practices.

The Hillsborough Campus, located in the scenic County Down, specializes in applied research and training related to sustainable agriculture and rural development. As part of AFBI, it provides targeted educational programs that bridge research and practice, equipping participants with skills for modern farming challenges. These initiatives include hands-on courses in grassland management, animal nutrition, and environmental stewardship, tailored for farmers, agronomists, and policymakers.

• Grassland and Forage Science: Core courses delve into pasture improvement, silage production, and rotational grazing systems. Trainees conduct field trials on nutrient cycling and soil fertility to boost forage quality and livestock performance.
• Livestock Genetics and Breeding: Programs cover selective breeding techniques, genomic selection, and herd health optimization. Practical sessions involve AI technologies and performance recording for dairy and beef cattle.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: Training emphasizes regenerative agriculture, carbon sequestration, and agroforestry. Modules include farm planning tools, organic certification processes, and impact assessments for eco-friendly operations.
• Rural Economy and Policy: Workshops explore agri-economics, supply chain management, and rural enterprise development. Participants analyze market trends, subsidy schemes, and business planning for resilient farm businesses.
• Precision Agriculture: Advanced courses introduce drone technology, soil sensors, and variable rate applications. Focus is on data-driven decision-making to enhance efficiency and reduce inputs like fertilizers and water.

Hillsborough's 1,000+ acre estate provides an ideal setting for immersive learning, with demonstration farms and research plots. Collaborations with local colleges offer accredited qualifications, from introductory workshops to diploma-level programs. These efforts support over 400 learners yearly, promoting innovation in Northern Ireland's £5 billion agri-food industry. The campus's work aligns with UK sustainability goals, addressing issues like biodiversity loss and climate adaptation through evidence-based training.

The Newforge Campus of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) serves as the headquarters and a primary hub for advanced research in agri-food and biosciences. While AFBI is primarily a research organization, it offers specialized training programs, workshops, and collaborative educational initiatives in areas critical to Northern Ireland's agricultural and food sectors. These programs are designed for professionals, students, and stakeholders seeking expertise in sustainable farming, food safety, and bioscience innovations.

• Animal Health and Welfare: Courses focus on veterinary science, disease surveillance, and livestock management, including modules on biosecurity protocols and zoonotic disease prevention. Participants learn through practical lab sessions and field studies to enhance animal productivity and welfare standards.
• Food Safety and Quality: Training covers analytical techniques for contaminant detection, microbiological testing, and regulatory compliance with EU and UK standards. Emphasis is placed on HACCP systems, traceability, and advanced spectroscopy for food authenticity.
• Crop Science and Protection: Programs explore plant pathology, integrated pest management, and genetically modified crops. Hands-on courses include greenhouse experiments and data analysis for optimizing yields in changing climates.
• Environmental Biosciences: Educational modules address soil health, water quality, and biodiversity conservation. Trainees engage in GIS mapping, ecological modeling, and sustainable land use planning to mitigate environmental impacts of agriculture.
• Bioinformatics and Data Science: Specialized workshops teach genomic sequencing, AI applications in agriculture, and big data analytics for precision farming. These integrate computational tools with biological research for innovative solutions.

At Newforge, these offerings are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and interdisciplinary teams, fostering collaborations with universities like Queen's University Belfast. Programs often span from short certifications to extended research fellowships, totaling over 300 hours of content annually. The campus emphasizes practical, evidence-based learning to drive industry advancements, with a focus on resilience against global challenges like climate change and food security. Annual enrollment exceeds 500 participants, contributing to policy development and economic growth in the agri-food sector.