Background

About Us

The Institute of Food Assurance and Sustainable Agriculture was established as a research and innovation centre in agriculture, agricultural technology and food security. It was established on 17 April 2016 as a Centre of Excellence in line with the UMK Chancellor's Royal Mandate during the 5th Convocation of the University in December 2016. Our vision is to be a centre of excellence for research and innovation in agriculture, and food security. To achieve this vision, we have set a mission to transform agriculture as an economic resource through increased research and innovation in agriculture, agricultural technology and food security by providing expertise, skills, and technological knowledge consulting to relevant stakeholders for socioeconomic development. The main focus of research and innovation at IFSSA is to increase food productivity through the use of advanced agricultural technologies and methodologies. In terms of research,  IFSSA has implemented several agricultural-related projects including black ginger cultivation and compost projects. Black ginger cultivation, for example, is a strategic agricultural collaboration between IFSSA and Agro RekaJeli. This strategic partnership also has a major impact on the community through the cultivation of valuable durian varieties such as Black Thorn and Raja Kunyit using the Jeli Food Farm Valley facility. In addition, IFSSA also provides rental and consultancy facilities to small entrepreneurs in Agro-based Industry Product Development (ABID). IFSSA also provides incubators and farms for the development of agricultural entrepreneurs especially small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) and communities in agriculture. This capacity development includes strawberry, hydroponic, and freshwater fish farms. Other main activities involving nearby communities are food processing and production courses such as frozen food courses, food handling courses and so on.