Research progress in the “innovation chain” of functional agricultural science and technology in China

In China, functional agriculture is the third agricultural stage after high-yield and green agriculture. Functional agriculture starts from “eating well” and “eating safely” to “eating healthily,” and it is one of the representative future directions of new agricultural productivity. To better realize the “innovation chain” layout of functional agricultural science and technology, the 752nd Academic Seminar of Xiangshan Science Conference, “Innovation Chain Layout Design of Functional Agricultural Science and Technology in China,” extensively discussed key scientific issues and common technologies, such as precision, intelligence, and functionalization and recycling of functional agriculture and strengthening of the top-level design of “innovation chain.” This review expounds on the following key factors and research progress in the “innovation chain” of functional agriculture science and technology: (i) the application of new technology in health geological survey toward functional agriculture; (ii) innovation of functional germplasm resources; (iii) creation of functional agricultural inputs focuses on functional fertilizers and feeds used to quantitatively control the effectiveness of beneficial soil mineral content; (iv) directional cultivation technology of functional agriculture; (v) integrated technology of planting and breeding in functional agriculture; (vi) functional food processing technology to improve the flavor and stability of food components; and (vii) nutritional health evaluation of functional agricultural products. Currently, China’s functional agriculture has achieved a breakthrough from “0” to “1.” However, various issues persist that need to be addressed in the discipline and technological innovation systems of functional agriculture. The phenomenon of a “broken chain” of scientific and technological innovation is relatively common; there is a lack of national science and technology platforms, and the research system needs to be developed and improved urgently. Additionally, research and formulation are yet to be completely industrialized. Therefore, it is suggested to strengthen scientific and technological innovation and development of functional agriculture by building a national platform, arranging major projects, constructing a standard system, creating industrial demonstrations, and training scientific and technological talents.