Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) – 国家自然科学基金会 was established in 1986 and has been under the administration of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) since 2018. The NSFC is responsible for directing, coordinating, and effectively utilizing the National Natural Science Fund to support basic research. It also plays a key role in establishing partnerships with...
Department of International Cooperation
The Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is responsible for formulating and promoting the implementation of plans, policies, and measures related to foreign exchanges in science and technology. This includes fostering scientific and technological exchanges, as well as open cooperation in innovation capabilities. The department also implements...
Department of S&T for Rural Development
The Department of S&T for Rural Development of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is in charge of formulating plans and policies for promoting agricultural and rural development through science and technology. More information (in Chinese): https://www.most.gov.cn/zzjg/jgsz/ncs/ncszzjg/. DCZ
Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST)
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) – 中化人民共和国科学技术部 is responsible for drafting science and technology (S&T) development plans, as well as related policies and regulations. MoST oversees the National Basic Research Program, the National High-Tech R&D Program, and the S&T Enabling Program. The Ministry is also in charge of budgeting and supervising S&T funds, including...
R&D organizations and think tanks directly affiliated to MARA
R&D organizations directly affiliated to MARA include: Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) – 中国农业科学院 Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) – 中国热带农业科学院 Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS) – 中国水产科学研究院 Chinese Academy of Agricultural Engineering – 农业农村部规划设计研究院 (more information in Chinese: http://aape.org.cn/) Rural Energy & Environment Agency –...
China Rural Technology Development Centre (CRTDC)
The China Rural Technology Development Centre (CRTDC) – 中国农村技术开发中心, which was previously affiliated with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), was transferred to MARA in 2023. CRTDC is responsible for managing agricultural technology programs within the national high-tech R&D plan, promoting rural technology advancements and innovation, and overseeing international cooperation in...
Department of International Cooperation
The Department of International Cooperation is responsible for MARA’s foreign relations. It includes offices for international relations, foreign investment, trade, Asia and Africa, the Americas, and Europe. The department works closely with BMLEH Sub-Department 62: International Cooperation, Global Food Security to coordinate the Sino-German Agricultural Centre (DCZ). This collaboration also...
Department of Science, Technology and Education
The Department of Science, Technology and Education of MARA is responsible for introducing new technologies, ensuring GMO bio-safety, protecting agricultural land, and preserving agricultural biodiversity. It also promotes the use of rural renewable energy sources, such as biogas, supports energy conservation initiatives, and manages projects focused on ecological circular agriculture....
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) – 农业农村部 oversees all matters related to agriculture, rural development, and farmers. It is responsible for drafting laws and regulations on agricultural and rural affairs and ensuring their enforcement. MARA operates through 24 specialized departments. Departments in charge of agriculture-related research include: Department of Science,...
Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF)
The Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF) – 中国林业科学院 is a national comprehensive and multidisciplinary forest research institution. Its research covers various fields, including forest ecology and environment, tree genetic improvement, silviculture, forest resources management, forest protection, wetlands restoration, desertification combating, grass seed industry and grassland protection, wood...



