On December 3, 2024, the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) Symposium on Engineering Science and Technology held the second session on key directions for the basic applied research and core technological breakthroughs in China’s horticultural sector during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

The meeting in Beijing was hosted by the CAE’s Agriculture Academic Division and organized by the Huazhong Agricultural University and the CAE’s Centre for Strategic Studies. Several CAE Members attended the symposium, along with officials from the Department of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and more than 30 leading scholars from China’s horticultural field.

The symposium featured a clear focus and an engaging atmosphere, facilitating robust exchanges of ideas. Experts offered insights and suggestions on horticultural research and industry development, while also refining related research reports in alignment with national agricultural policy priorities. The recommendations gathered during the symposium will serve as important references for strategic decision-making by relevant authorities.

The discussions on the horticultural theme comprised two sessions. The first was held from August 16 to 18, 2024 in Hefei, Anhui Province, where seven CAE Members and six leading scholars delivered presentations to an audience of more than 1,000 participants. In a series of workshops, 26 young scholars and representatives from 21 enterprises engaged in in-depth discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing China’s horticultural industry.