U.S.-China Agricultural Science and Technology Protocol

On December 11, 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) renewed a 2002 protocol that supports the United States policy to establish and expand science and technology exchanges with China to improve market access for agricultural products.

The aim of the protocol is to provide opportunities for scientists from agricultural research and development institutions in both countries to exchange information, ideas, skills, and techniques, collaborate in solving problems of common interest, and work together in agricultural and developmental research facilities.  The protocol supports the U.S. policy to establish, expand, and promote cooperation and collaboration in agricultural science and technology with China.  A greater mutual understanding of each country’s science and research methods provides a transparent framework for the acceptance of new agricultural products and technologies.

Specific areas of cooperation include agricultural biotechnology, natural resource management, dairy production and processing, food safety, agricultural product processing, biofuels research and development, and water-saving agricultural technology.  Collaborative research takes place at five virtual laboratories (U.S. and Chinese laboratories performing complementary work on topics of mutual interest) and covers issues related to grazing land ecosystems management, soil and water conservation, wheat quality and pathology, plant genetic resources exchanges, agricultural product processing, and bioenergy.  USDA and MOST may invite other government agencies, the scientific and business communities, and the private sectors of both countries to work with them in research, extension, and training programs or solicit their input on potential joint agribusiness ventures.  Activities include providing opportunities for scientists, specialists, or trainees to study in each other’s countries; organizing conferences, trade fairs, or exhibits; or publishing joint studies or reports.

A joint working group led by USDA’s Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics and MOST’s Vice Minister for Rural and Social Development will meet once a year in either the United States or China.  Members of the working group will include representatives from each country’s agricultural science and technology communities.