In the UK, Prof. Li met with Prof. Achim Dobermann, Director and Chief Executive for Rothamsted Research. Both sides agreed to strengthen the cooperation by establishing the Joint China-UK Centre for Sustainable Intensification in Agriculture (CSIA) and discussed ways for future cooperation on its basis in four focus areas of agricultural sustainable intensification: crop efficiency, soil management, next generation of integrated pest, disease and weed management, targeting agricultural innovation.

The delegation also visited Center for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), James Hutton Institute (JHI), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and John Innes Centre (JIC) and extended cooperation into areas such as developing new crop varieties, improving soil fertility, optimising fertilizer management, control of weeds pests and diseases, sustainable production systems, animal husbandry and bioscience, especially in nitrogen utilization. Li gave a presentation on Understanding the Molecular Basis of Rice Plant Architecture in JIC and exchanged ideas on establishing a Joint Centre and holding a scientific symposium in 2016 with its Director, Prof. Dale Sanders.

In Austria, the delegation was well received by IAEA and both sides explored further cooperation in radiation breeding, water resources management and soil nutrient, agricultural product quality, and had a discussion on establishing the China-IAEA Collaborative Center in Nuclear Agriculture.
 

 

The delegation visited the headquarters of FAO in Rome and had an indepth discussion with José Graziano da Silva, Director General for FAO on transferring Chinese mature agricultural technology to developing countries under the “South-South Cooperation” framework. Li gave a presentation on The Progress and Prospect of Chinese Agricultural Science and Technology at invitation.

In Italy, the delegation was also received by Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) and Bioversity International. The visit also witnessed the renewal of the scientific cooperation program between CNR and CAAS, which emphasized collaboration in quality and safety of agricultural products, comprehensive management of crop disease and pest, comprehensive utilization of agricultural waste and plant genomics.


 

By Hu Pinpin
hupinpin@caas.cn