The School of Agro-Industry Commences the FMFC International Training Programme on Healthy Foods Value Chain

On 1 July 2026, Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), through the School of Agro-Industry, held the opening ceremony for the international training programme titled "Integrating the Healthy Foods Value Chain: From Local to Functional Claim." The event, took place at the Phu Rahong Meeting Room, M-Square Building, serves as one of the flagship activities under the broader " FMFC International Training Programme" (Innovative Farmers, Traditional Medicines, Healthy Foods, and Cosmetics).

The opening ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President, who delivered the opening remarks. Asst. Prof. Dr.Sutthiwal Setha, Dean of the School of Agro-Industry, extended a warm welcome to the attendees, while Prof. Dr. Saroat Rawdkuen, the Program Leader, outlined the programme’s key objectives. 

The launch was well-attended by representatives from the School of Agro-Industry, the Global Relations Division, and the Research Administration Division, alongside international participants international participants hailing from across the globe.

The FMFC initiative is a specialised international series designed to foster innovation and capacity building in the strategic sectors of Innovative Farming, Traditional Medicine, Healthy Foods, and Cosmetics. Running from 1-15 July 2026, this specific programme operates as a "Living Laboratory," where participants engage directly with the entire food value chain from peak nutrient harvesting in the field to rigorous quality verification in the laboratory. 

Additionally, the hands-on workshop focuses on driving value addition to local agricultural resources by capitalizing on the rich biodiversity of Chiang Rai and Northern Thailand.  By utilising innovation and sustainable processing technologies, the initiative ultimately aims to establish a collaborative international network among researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the functional food sector.

Throughout the 15-day intensive workshop, participants will attend lectures delivered by distinguished experts from Mae Fah Luang University and international institutions, including a notable contribution from Prof. Dr. Marc Pignitter from the University of Vienna. 

In addition to classroom theory, participants will engage in hands-on learning within certified, standard-compliant laboratories utilising advanced analytical instruments. They will also conduct field studies across Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Chiang Mai, culminating in an opportunity to design and develop their own innovative functional food projects.

This landmark programme strongly aligns with the university's core mission to integrate institutional knowledge with international standards, ultimately working to improve the quality of life across all sectors of global society.