On September 18, 2026, a delegation led by Director General Kuo Kun-feng of the Department of Agricultural Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan, together with representatives from the Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, the Fisheries Agency, the Agricultural Technology Research Institute (ATRI), and other related organizations, visited the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS). The purpose of the visit was to share experiences and exchange views on initiatives and mechanisms for linking research and development with the practical needs of industry.

The visit began with opening remarks from Dr. YANAGIHARA Seiji, Vice-President of JIRCAS, and Director General Kuo. This was followed by presentations from Dr. IIYAMA Miyuki, Director of the Strategic Planning Office, who introduced JIRCAS and the role of the Strategic Planning Office; Dr. OMORI Keisuke, Program Director for Information and Strategy, who outlined the program’s research activities; and Dr. KUSANO Eiichi, Project Leader in the Social Sciences Division, who introduced the activities of the Global Information Project. Existing connections with Taiwan were also highlighted, including collaboration with the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region (FFTC) and the World Vegetable Center.

During the discussion session, participants exchanged views on identifying research needs, determining research priorities, and promoting international collaboration in response to increasingly complex global food challenges. JIRCAS introduced its research management framework and initiatives for international cooperation.

Further discussions focused on responses to climate change, agricultural environments in subtropical regions, the utilization of research outcomes obtained overseas, and approaches to information collection and dissemination. The Taiwanese delegation shared examples of collaboration with agricultural organizations, universities, and related institutions in disseminating research results, providing valuable insights into efforts to promote the social implementation of research outcomes.

The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to share experiences and perspectives on research and development priorities and the utilization of research results, while deepening mutual understanding and fostering future exchanges and cooperation.