About JIRCAS

Introduction

The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) was established in October 1993, through the reorganization of its predecessor, the Tropical Agriculture Research Center (TARC). It was again restructured in April 2001 as an Incorporated Administrative Agency, and in  April 2015 as a National Research and Development Agency (NRDA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

Main Objectives

  1. To undertake comprehensive experimental research for technological advancement of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and related industries in tropical/subtropical zones and developing regions;
  2. To collect, analyze, and publish information of domestic and international researches which are relevant to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; 
  3. To invest in and provide manpower and technical support to businesses that utilize the results of experimental research;
  4. Through the above, to contribute solutions to global food and environmental problems as well as to the stable supply of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and resources.

Research Programs

Main Activities

1. Promotion of international joint research through the dispatch and invitation of researchers.
2. Collection, analysis and dissemination of information for grasping trends of international agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
3. Organize international symposiums and workshops.
4. International collaboration and exchange on science and technology with governments and other organizations.

History

  • 1970    Establishment of the Tropical Agriculture Research Center (TARC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
  • 1977 TARC Headquarters was transferred from Tokyo to Tsukuba, Ibaraki
  • 1993 Reorganization of TARC into Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS)
  • 2001    Restructured as Incorporated Administrative Agency (IAA) 
  • 2015  Restructured as National Research and Development Agency (NRDA) 
  • 2016 Start of the 4th Medium to Long-term Plan
  • 2020   JIRCAS 50th Founding Anniversary 
  • 2021 Start of the 5th Medium to Long-term Plan