When researching funding for the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors, you may come across an organization called the “Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council.”
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council is an organization established within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) that is responsible for planning and drafting policies related to research and development in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors, as well as coordinating with research institutions.
In addition, information on public solicitations for commissioned project research conducted by MAFF is also published on the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council’s website.
This article explains the overview and role of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council, its differences from NARO and the Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution (BRAIN), and its relationship with research funding.
What is the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council?
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council is a “special agency” established within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries based on the Act for Establishment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
To promote research and development in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and the food industry, it plays the role of examining what research the nation should undertake and indicating the direction of research and development policy.
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council consists of a chairman and six members, including university researchers and individuals involved in agriculture.
Furthermore, a secretariat has been established within the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council to handle practical tasks such as planning and drafting research and development policies and promoting research projects.
Main roles of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council has the following main roles:
1. Formulation of the Basic Plan for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research
It is responsible for formulating the “Basic Plan for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research” in order to systematically advance research and development in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors.
This plan indicates the direction of research and development, such as ensuring food security, improving the productivity of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, reducing environmental impact, and promoting smart agriculture.
It is an important plan that also serves as a reference for research institutions when considering future research themes.
2. Planning and promotion of research and development projects
The Secretariat of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council is responsible for planning and promoting research and development projects implemented by MAFF.
For example, in MAFF’s “commissioned project research,” the government sets research topics deemed necessary for policy and invites research proposals from universities, research institutions, and private companies.
The Secretariat of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council plays an important role from the setting of research topics to public solicitation and the promotion of research and development.
3. Liaison and coordination with research institutions
Another important role is to coordinate research conducted by national research and development agencies, such as NARO, with the administrative policies of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
In addition, it promotes research and development in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors through collaboration with prefectural testing and research institutions, universities, and private companies.
(4) Promotion of research result surveys and practical application
It conducts surveys on the status and results of research and development in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors, and advances initiatives to promote the practical application and social implementation of research results.
For example, it works to ensure that research results can be utilized in administrative policies and on-site in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries through the dissemination of research findings, industry-academia-government collaboration, and the social implementation of smart agricultural technologies.
Differences between NARO and the Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution (BRAIN)
Organizations that are easily confused with the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council include NARO and BRAIN.
Each has a different role.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council
An organization established within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries that is responsible for planning and drafting R&D policies in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors and promoting research projects.
NARO (National Agriculture and Food Research Organization)
This is the abbreviation for the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, a national research and development agency.
It is a research institution that actually conducts research and development related to agriculture and the food industry, working on a wide range of fields such as variety development, smart agriculture, and food functionality.
BRAIN (Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution)
This is a research funding distribution agency established within NARO.
It supports research and development conducted by universities, research institutions, and private companies through programs such as the ‘Open Innovation Research and Practical Application Promotion Project’ and the ‘Startup Comprehensive Support Program’.
In short, the difference is that the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council is an organization that plans and promotes R&D policies, NARO is an organization that conducts R&D, and BRAIN is an organization that supports external R&D through funding.
Relationship with public calls for research funding
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council’s website publishes information on public calls for research and development projects implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
For example, in fiscal year 2026, public calls were made for commissioned research on topics such as monitoring technology for agricultural water facilities, low-cost and high-yield cultivation technology for paddy rice, and cultivation and processing technology aimed at expanding exports of agricultural products.
In these projects, a mechanism is adopted in which the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries sets research themes and goals, and applicants propose research plans.
Note that not all research funding posted on the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council website is allocated by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council Secretariat.
When applying for research funding, it is necessary to check the implementing body, contracting party, and eligibility requirements for each project.
Conclusion
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council is an organization within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries that plans and formulates research and development policies in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and is responsible for coordinating with research institutions and promoting research and development projects.
Although its role differs from that of NARO or the Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution, all are important entities that support research and development in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors.
When considering obtaining external research funding in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors, it is important to check not only individual public offering information but also the direction of research and development policies indicated by the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council.
