On December 22, 2025, the contract signing ceremony for the launch of the China Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development (CAED) by the Institute of Agricultural Economics Research Institute (IAED) and Elsevier was held at the main building of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). Attendees included Hu Xiangdong, Director of IAED and Editor-in-Chief of CAED; Zhang Ningning, Assistant Director of IAED; Zhang Lin, Head of the Science and Technology Department; along with key associate editors and executive editors of the CAED. Representing Elsevier was Zhu Yu, Publishing Director for Life Science & Social Science Journals. The ceremony was hosted by Gong Xifeng, representative of the CGIAR China Office (in preparation).

In his opening remarks, host Gong Xifeng pointed out that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, emphasis is placed on coordinating the development of the "Four Agricultures" and further aligning agricultural development with international standards. Launching a high-quality international academic agricultural-journal is a crucial channel and platform for achieving this. Hu Xiangdong first introduced the history of IAED and its publishing activities, then discussed and outlined the vision for the new journal from three main perspectives. First, the journal's purpose is to effectively communicate China's ‘Sannong’ (Agricultural, rural, and farmer) narratives and expand its academic influence. As an important gateway and platform, the journal will publish research by domestic scholars on China's ‘Sannong’ issues, while also extensively incorporating international scholars' perspectives and analyses on these topics. In terms of positioning, the aim is to build CAED into a world-leading journal in Agricultural Economics and Policy domain such as the American Journal of Agricultural Economics. Second, unlike journals traditionally reliant on quantitative research, CAED will also welcome theoretical interpretation, effectively sharing China's experiences in areas like poverty reduction and food security. Its readership will extend beyond traditional academics and students to include policymakers, international organizations, and agribusiness managers. Third, the journal launch serves as an opportunity to further enhance the institute's international influence. As a "national team" and top-tier think tank supporting national agricultural policy and strategic planning, IAED can better inform national decision-making through greater international engagement. Furthermore, it is a good way to integrate talent development with journal development as department responsible persons in the IAED also play roles in the editors of CAED. The engagement in publishing international journal will offer opportunities for talents training and encourage them going ‘globally’. Following this, Zhu Yu provided a brief overview of Elsevier's global presence, journal portfolio, and history of collaborating with Chinese institutions. She then offered several suggestions and plans to support the development of the new journal, CAED.

Finally, during the discussion session, Hu Xiangdong said IAED will do the utmost to cooperate with Elsevier in developing and running the CAED. He also warmly invited the Elsevier publishers to exchange ideas, promote, and offer advice regarding the journal and its development. Zhu Yu stated her great anticipation for collaborating with IAED to advance and successfully operate the journal.

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