The College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) traces its roots from the Batac Farm School which was established in 1906. Twelve years later, it became the Batac Rural High School (BRHS). In 1965, this was transformed into the Ilocos Norte Institute of Technology (INIT), a pioneering college. Although it was not formally a college of agriculture yet, two major field of specialization were already offered. These were animal husbandry and agronomy. Thus, in 1971, INIT produced its first college graduates with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

On December 19, 1974, INIT was converted into the Mariano Marcos Memorial College of Science and Technology (MMMCST). The college then was composed of four departments, namely: agriculture, home technology, forestry, and agricultural engineering.

A College of Agriculture (CA) was formally established when MMMCST was transformed into the Mariano Marcos State University on January 6, 1978 by virtue of Presidential Decree 1279. Its new building was constructed in 1981-1982 and it was on June 15, 1982 that the faculty and students finally occupied it. The college was renamed College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) in 1985. On April 27, 2010, CAF was renamed as College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) to reflect cohesion of program offerings and for the necessary focus expected of its status as National University in Agriculture.

At present, the college has two campuses. The main campus is located in the City of Batac, Ilocos Norte, which offers the following degree programs: BS in Agriculture, BS in Forestry, BS in Development Communication, BS Home Technology, and BS in Environmental Science. The satellite campus, located in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, offers the Diploma in Agricultural Technology-Bachelor of Agricultural Technology.

To date, CAFSD has five departments. The departments are: Agricultural Sciences, Forestry, Home Technology, Environmental Science and Development Studies (DDS). There are two programs under DDS. These are the Rural Development and Development Communication programs.

MMSU-CAF is one of the Centers of Development in the country. Its agriculture and forestry programs are currently enjoying a Level III Re-accredited status by the AACCUP. Likewise, TESDA granted the satellite campus the authority to offer programs in Animal Production NC II, Agricultural Crops Production NC I, Agricultural Crops Production NC III, and Horticulture NC II. MMSU has been selected as one of only four Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in the country identified by the National Agriculture and Fisheries Education System (NAFES) as national university for both agriculture and fisheries education.

As the center for advanced and futuristic MMSU, CAFSD leads in basic and applied research as well as in effecting technology for transfer in rural communities for development.