From December 8 to 15, 2025, at the invitation of the University of Göttingen (Germany) and Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands), an expert delegation from the Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), led by Researcher Mao Shiping and including Associate Researchers Qian Chen and Lin Qingning conducted academic exchanges and field research in Germany and the Netherlands. The visit focused on the deep integration of agricultural technological innovation and industrial innovation, as well as the development of smart agriculture, and aimed to strengthen cooperation between China and Europe in agricultural technology, policy coordination, and industrial development.

During their stay in Germany, the delegation visited the University of Göttingen and held thematic seminars with scholars in agricultural economics, forestry technology, and smart agriculture. The discussions covered topics covered EU agricultural policies, industry–university–research integration in smart agriculture, and market-oriented development pathways for forestry carbon sinks. The delegation also examined how the University of Göttingen leverages its experimental farms and university-enterprise joint laboratories to establish an integrated "research–pilot–promotion" mechanism for translating research outcomes. In addition, field visits were conducted at the Rhönschof University Farm, Reyershausen Farm, forestry R&D laboratories, and several agricultural enterprises, providing comprehensive insights into Germany's practical experience in collaborative innovation, smart farm management, coordinated energy utilization, and food safety standardization.

In the Netherlands, the delegation visited Wageningen University & Research and Foodvalley NL, gaining an in-depth understanding of the research-industry network formed by the university and the Foodvalley cluster. The delegation also visited the Royal FloraHolland Aalsmeer Flower Auction Center, where exchanges were held on cutting-edge agricultural technologies, innovation ecosystems in the food industry, and digitalized flower supply chains. The discussions emphasized the Netherlands’ advanced practices in high-value agricultural transformation, industrial collaboration, and supportive policy frameworks.

The visit achieved positive results. The delegation reached preliminary agreements with multiple universities and research institutions in both countries on joint research projects related to smart agricultural technologies and agriculture-environment synergy. A large body of first-hand research materials, including technical cases and operational guidelines, were collected, laying a solid foundation for future international comparative studies and policy research. This visit further strengthened cooperation between CAAS and leading European agricultural research institutions and established a practical platform for promoting Sino-European agricultural scientific and technological cooperation. Looking ahead, both sides will continue to deepen collaboration in smart agricultural technology R&D, innovation in industrial integration models, and talent exchange, contributing to the advancement of agricultural technological innovation and industrial transformation and upgrading.