catas

The Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) is the national institution in China dedicated to tropical agricultural research, development, and graduate education under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Established in 1954, it operates through 14 specialized research institutes and an experimental farm, employing over 4,600 staff, including approximately 3,300 scientists. Its research portfolio covers a broad spectrum of tropical agriculture, including rubber trees, tropical fruits, oil crops, spices, beverage crops, biotechnology, environmental protection, and agricultural machinery. CATAS develops new crop varieties and advanced technologies, providing critical scientific support for agricultural development and poverty alleviation. It leverages extensive national research facilities, such as the State Key Research Centre for Tropical Crops Engineering Technology, to drive innovation in tropical crop genetic resource conservation and quality standardization.

By delivering technical solutions and scientific expertise, CATAS plays a vital role in ensuring food security, improving rural economies, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices both within China and globally. The organization actively engages in South-South cooperation, offering international training and technical assistance to over 100 developing countries. Through its 12 international cooperation platforms and partnerships with global institutions—including the FAO and various international universities—CATAS facilitates knowledge exchange and industrial upgrading. Its efforts in crop improvement, such as significant breakthroughs in rubber latex production and cassava genomics, have provided tangible benefits to farmers, industry stakeholders, and global tropical agriculture development initiatives.