More than 70 scientists and representatives from Taiwan government agencies, seed companies and farmers’ associations toured AVRDC’s headquarters campus during Open Day 2013 on 17 May to get a look at advanced yield trials of tomato and the international chili and sweet pepper nurseries, see the Genebank and Demonstration Garden, and visit displays about the Center’s research.
The four-hour field day aimed to build new and strengthen existing relationships with Taiwan’s research community and the private sector, raise the overall profile of the Center in Taiwan, and give Center research staff a chance to interact with their host-country peers in an informal, informational setting. The Mayor of Tainan City, Lai Ching-te, visited the research displays. A delegation from the Taiwan Council of Agriculture, led by Director General Kuei-sen Sheu of the Department of International Affairs, visited the Genebank and met with AVRDC’s Deputy Directors General Jackie Hughes (Research) and Yin-fu Chang (Administration & Services).