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College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
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      • B.S. Food Science and Technology
        • Food Science Option
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      • Food Diversity Certificate
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Food Diversity and Innovation Program

The U.S. food market is as diverse as our population, and truly reflects the fact that we are a melting pot of the world in food culture, preference, and lifestyle. We are shifting from the mechanical food science constructs to awareness and adaption to changing market trends. This requires understanding, critical thinking, innovation, and courage to adapt to evolving consumer preferences for clean simple labels and product attributes like halal, kosher, organic, non-GMO, gluten free, vegan, lactose free, dairy free, cage free and animal welfare.

A flourishing market for diverse food requires food processors to obtain specific certifications, to assure consumers that the manufactured foods have adequate documentation of authenticity and quality of its supply chain.

For questions about the program please reach out to our Program Manager, Asha Girimaji, [email protected].

“Meeting the needs of the US and global food market for a more diverse and safer tomorrow through education, research and outreach in ethnic and religious foods.”

illustration showing food processing, food authentication, nutrition and health, ethnic foods, food quality and safety, food certification, and religious foods

Food Diversity Innovation Program Initiatives

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IFANCA Endowment

The Food Diversity Innovation Program (FDIP) was established in 2016 as a sustainable high-impact educational and research program in the specialized areas of religious and ethnic foods and other certified foods to educate graduate and undergraduate students through direct interactions with food industries and hands-on research and product development experiences.

Learn more about the IFANCA Endowment

IFANCA Professorship

The Dean’s office has appointed Dr. Riaz as the distinguished holder of the (IFANCA) Professorship in Food Diversity within the Department of Food Science and Technology. Dr. Riaz’s appointment spans a commendable five-year term, commencing on December 1, 2022, and concluding on November 30, 2027. This prestigious appointment reflects Dr. Riaz’s exceptional contributions and expertise in the field, and we look forward to the valuable insights and leadership they will bring to our department in the coming years.

headshot of Dr. Riaz
green onions being cut

Food Diversity Certificate

The Food Diversity Certificate offered by the Department of Food Science and Technology, includes 15 hours of concentrated study in the areas of religious and ethnic foods as related to food processing, quality control, record keeping, and global certifications for foods and food ingredients. The curriculum will provide a strong knowledge base to students who desire to work in the food ingredient or food manufacturing field with an emphasis on the diverse array of certifications that may be required such as Halal, Kosher, organic, Non-GMO, or gluten-free or quality certifications such as Safe Quality Foods and Global Food Safety Initiative.  Therefore, students who complete a Food Diversity Certificate will be uniquely trained to handle current and future challenges that the diverse food supply brings and qualify them for a specialized job market.

Learn more about the Food Diversity Certificate

IFANCA Scholarships and Fellowships

IFANCA Fellowships and Scholarships recognize outstanding students with an expressed interest in advancing food diversity and sustainability in our multicultural world. IFANCA Awards support graduate and undergraduate research and high-impact learning.

IFANCA Scholarships and Awards
three men in professional attire in a meeting room
Food Diversity Innovation Program members

IFANCA-FDIP Symposiums

The Food Diversity Innovation Program organizes a biennial symposium addressing current topics in the food industry. Leaders in the food industry, both national and international, participate in the symposium. The event also offers students a valuable chance to showcase their work and engage with members of the food industry.

IFANCA-FDIP Symposiums

Food Diversity and Innovation Program News

  • November 8, 2024

    2024 IFANCA-FDIP Symposium on Alternative Proteins

    The IFANCA-FDIP Symposium on Alternative Proteins, held by Texas A&M’s Food Science Department on October 30, 2024, was a tremendous success. Over 60 attendees—including students, faculty, and industry experts—delved into the future of alternative protein…

  • June 28, 2024

    2024 Friends of TAMU FSTC Reception in Chicago on July 15th

    UPDATE: The TAMU Food Science Department Reception in Chicago on July 15, 2024, sponsored by IFANCA, was a resounding success. The event saw a great turnout, including students, alumni, faculty, and industry members. Dr. Awika,…

  • March 18, 2024

    IFANCA endows $300,000 for Dean’s Excellence Scholarship in Food Science and Technology

    The IFANCA Endowed Dean’s Excellence Scholarship in Food Science and Technology was established in 2024 with an initial sum of $300,000. The proceeds from this endowment will be allocated to grant scholarships to three (3)…

  • August 13, 2023

    IFT Achievement Award Winner – Dr. Mian Riaz

    Mian Nadeem Riaz, PhD, Associate Dept. Head and holder of the Professorship in Food Diversity receives the 2023 IFT Achievement Award for International Food Security in honor of Bor S. Luh.

  • headshots of two award winners
    August 11, 2023

    Fall 2023 IFANCA Graduate Fellowship Winners

    Two IFANCA Graduate Fellowships, each valued at $22,000, were announced for fall of 2023. The fellowship aims to support new PhD students admitted to the Food Science & Technology program.

  • July 28, 2023

    FSTC’s Annual Alumni Dinner 2023

    The Department of Food Science and Technology hosted its annual dinner on Tuesday, July 18th at The Dawson in Chicago during the IFT First event. The event was sponsored by National Center for Electron Beam Research…

  • November 29, 2022

    IFANCA-FDIP symposium Nov.17, 2022

    The IFANCA-Food Diversity Innovation Program Symposium on “Current Trends in Food Industry- Challenges and Strategies” was held in Frisco, Texas on Nov.17th, 2022, in conjunction with the Longhorn IFT Suppliers Night.

  • November 10, 2022

    Future of Food @ SXSW 2022

    The SXSW event in March 2022 brought together “a diverse group of experts, leaders, and visionaries challenging us to think about how our food and agricultural systems will need to adapt to new pressures, and what technologies and…

  • September 1, 2022

    IFANCA Freshman Scholarships

    The IFANCA Freshman scholarships, each valued at $4,000 were awarded to two new freshmen, Emmalee Rogers and Mallory Morelli admitted to the Food Science Department in Fall of 2022.

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