By Reporters Zhu Hua and Qin Wan Zhong, Correspondent Li QiaoⅠHubei Daily

On January 28, the Oil Crops Research Institute (OCRI) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences welcomed 400 distributors from Yonfer, a leading domestic phosphate and compound fertilizer producer. The delegation took part in a face-to-face exchange with Chinese Academy of Engineering Academician Li Peiwu to discuss the practical application of high-quality fertilizers, accelerating the transfer of research outcomes from the laboratory to the field. 

"This marks the first time we have opened our doors on such a scale to partners from outside the institutional system," said Deng Qianchun, Deputy Director of OCRI. "Hosting our corporate partner's distributor conference here is a tangible example of our commitment to open and collaborative research."

Several years ago, Academician Li Peiwu's team at OCRI successfully developed ARC bio‑coupling technology after more than two decades of research. The technology significantly increases yields of crops such as soybeans and peanuts while reducing aflatoxin contamination at the source.

Following extensive field trials, OCRI licensed the ARC bio‑coupling technology to Yonfer for the joint development and production of the "Gaofuzhuan" series of specialty fertilizers for peanuts and soybeans.

In late January, learning that Yonfer's Central China regional distributor conference was scheduled to be held in Wuhan, OCRI proactively invited the company to convene the event at the institute.

"Scientific research must not only move from the lab to the factory, but also complete the 'last mile' to the market," said OCRI researcher Zhang Liangxiao. "By bringing distributors and large-scale growers here, we enable them to gain first‑hand understanding of ARC technology, helping bring innovation directly to farmers."

During the conference, the 65‑year‑old Academician Li Peiwu presented detailed data: average soybean yield increases of 15%, peanut yield increases of 19%, and an aflatoxin inhibition rate reaching 63%. He also invited feedback from distributors on challenges encountered during product promotion.

"Hearing the academician's explanation gave us a much clearer picture of these new specialty fertilizers. This year we plan to double our promotion area," said Wu Jianhua, General Manager of Hubei Jingnong Agricultural Trade Company.

Tianmen‑based grower Mao Aijun said the visit strengthened his confidence in the technology. He intends to use the specialty fertilizer across all his soybean fields this season and will recommend it to other large-scale growers.

Yonfer's Vice President Zhao Chengyun noted that the event went beyond products and orders, evolving into a dialogue built on technology and trust. "It has deepened trust among distributors and growers toward both the manufacturer and the research institution, boosted confidence in the new technology, and encouraged us all to work together—turning good science into reliable products, and reliable products into better harvests, all in the service of safeguarding China's 'oil and grain baskets'."