#Farm-to-Table
Who we are
From its humble yet hope-filled beginnings in 1976, the Asian Christian Academy of India (ACA) has unswervingly sought to model Christian service in a multitude of endeavors by enabling men and women to emerge as leaders who care for, and contribute to, local communities through social service. Towards this end, over the past 35 years one of our core focus areas in the ACA campus at Hosur, Tamil Nadu, has been the development of a unique farm spread across several acres of fertile land.
Nestled amidst verdant surroundings, the ACA farm not only produces myriad crops and fruits today, but also houses cows, goats, fishes, ducks, and chicken. The dairy farm, compost facility, sewage treatment plant, and rainwater harvesting structures on-site endow self-sufficiency by providing the necessary fertilizer and water required to facilitate farming activities. In addition to this, we are currently working on perfecting aquaponics and hydroponics techniques to further enhance operations.
Since its inception, the promotion of vocational education has been an integral part of the holistic vision of ACA. Now, in a boost to that objective, the Asian Christian Culinary and Agricultural Sciences Institute (ACCASI) is all set to deliver relevant educational opportunities in this domain. Given the keen and burgeoning global interest to understand the entire cycle of how food reaches our table from the farm, our diploma and certification programs are designed to blend training in small-scale agricultural techniques with culinary arts.
Inside ACCASI
ACCASI was conceptualized based on our acute awareness and intrinsic belief in the mutually beneficial relationship that exists between culinary and farming education. Together, they help create a sustainable food system that supports local farmers, promotes healthy dietary habits, and builds stronger communities.
Therefore, by promoting food literacy the leadership at ACA aspires to realize the aforementioned aims. It is our understanding that utilizing locally sourced seasonal ingredients will pave the way for an increase in demand for such produce, eventually leading to the creation of a sustainable food system
To bring such out-of-the-box thinking to fruition was made possible in no small measure by the fact that we have been blessed with the most challenging aspect of establishing a culinary education program — a functioning farm. ACCASI is a natural progression in our ambition to maximize the potential of existing infrastructure to help deliver valuable educational experiences.
The farm-to-table concept revolves around purchasing fresh produce directly from local farmers and incorporating it into meals. Over time, humankind was drawn to the convenience of having access to varied foodstuffs from across the world throughout the year. As a consequence, farmers sought to generate higher profits faster by exploiting this trend, which resulted in an increase in food processing and use of pesticides in cultivation. However, in recent years there has been a growing shift towards the procurement and consumption of locally sourced, seasonal, and responsibly grown food.
Our Values
The Farm-to-Table Culinary Institute embodies values centered on sustainability, local sourcing, and transparency. With a strong community focus, it emphasizes using high-quality, fresh ingredients while educating about sustainable practices. By directly supporting local farmers, upholding ethics, and promoting biodiversity, the institute also preserves cultural culinary traditions.
#vision
Vision of ACCASI
WHAT WE WISH TO BECOME, AND WHERE WE WANT TO
GO IN THE FUTURE?
To create a space in which everyone has access to delicious, nutritious, and sustainably grown food; a system where food literacy and appreciation are all-pervasive.
To function as a hub of excellence in sustainable food production, providing hands-on learning opportunities and a vibrant community of food-related organizations and individuals.
To be at the forefront of culinary and agricultural education, integrating the latest research, techniques, and technology into the curriculum.
#mission
Mission of ACCASI
WHAT WE DO AND WHY?
Foster an understanding of the interdependence between agriculture and cuisine, emphasizing the importance of seasonality, local sourcing, and responsible food production.
Encourage students to think creatively and critically about food systems, and develop innovative solutions to promote sustainability that will, among other things, address complex challenges facing the food industry.
Facilitate culinary innovation to create high-quality, nutritious, and aesthetically pleasing dishes from locally available ingredients.
To prepare students to become leaders in the culinary and agriculture industries, by equipping them with the skills and requisite knowledge to promote sustainable food systems.
Provide students hands-on experience in a professional kitchen environment through internships, apprenticeships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Encourage students to embrace the cultural, historical, and social aspects of food and cooking, and to understand their role as culinary professionals in shaping food trends and cultural tastes.
Develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills needed to start and lead in the industry.
#OnlyatACCASI
We are located just 8 kilometers away from Hosur ‒ a suburban town in Tamil Nadu with proximity to Bengaluru ‒ enabling us to connect with prominent individuals in the industry for special lectures and workshops.
Our institution is unique, in that, it is the only one in India with a curriculum that integrates farm and agricultural sciences.
We have state-of-the-art kitchen facilities outfitted with modern equipment for processing farm produce; this includes a butchery, walk-in cold storage, and a vegetable processing unit.
Our faculty comprises experienced industry professionals and educators passionate about local dining traditions.
Our academic campus offers a serene environment and comfortable hostel facilities for students to focus on their studies.
With over four decades of experience in education, we have established industry connections and are poised for success in the industry
