On January 16, 2024, a delegation led by Mr. Steven Victor, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment of the Republic of Palau, visited NARO. Following the welcome address and an overview of NARO by Vice President Dr. KATSUTA in charge of international cooperation, the Deputy Director from the Research Center of Genetic Resources explained the collections and uses of plant, microbe, and animal genetic resources as part of the Genebank Project. Later, they visited long-term storage facilities and nutrition storages. Research topics on the preservation of genetic resources, automated management systems, and the revival of kumara (sweet potato cultivar) by the Maori (the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) were introduced. Also, at the Tsukuba Agriculture Research Hall, the Principal Scientist explained the working of remote-controlled mowers, usage of assist suits, farm work accident experience through VR, classical swine fever virus inspection kit and they also visited the Tsukuba plant factory. The delegation exchanged opinions during all visits.
