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I MPLEM ENT AT ION AGREE MENT

(Draft Version: July 6th 2026)

BETWEEN

FOREIGN ECONOMIC COOPERATION CENTRE (FECC)

OF THE

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS OF THE

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

AND THE

GFA CONSULTING GROUP GMBH (GFA)

(ON BEHALF OF THE CONSORTIUM

TO BE SELECTED VIA TENDER)

AS

GENERAL AGENT OF THE GERMAN FEDERAL MINISTRY FOR

AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND REGIONAL IDENTITY (BMLEH) FOR THE

BILATERAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME

CONCERNING THE

SINO-GERMAN AGRICULTURAL CENTER

(DCZ), 4TH PHASE

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1 Pr eambl e

This agreement is an expression of mutual desire, shared values, common understanding, and agreement between the sides to collaboratively work together to ensure that the Sino-German Agriculltural Center (hereinafter DCZ) will be able to successfully operate.

The following documents shall form the basis of this agreement:

the Agreement between the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Gov- ernment of the People’s Republic of China regarding Technical Cooperation, dated 13 October 1982 (Annex 1);
the Framework Agreement between the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China regarding the German-Sino Agricultural Center, dated 28 March 2014 (Annex 2),
the Joint Declaration of Intent of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China on Co- operation in Sustainable Agriculture, dated 13.06.2016 (Annex 6);
the Joint Declaration of Intent of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China on Cooperation in the Field of Climate and Agriculture (Annex 7);
the European Green Deal of the European Commission, dated 11.12.2019 and the connected Farm to Fork Strategy and EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, both dated 20.5.2020;
the signed joint Action Plan on Agricultural Cooperation (2024-2028) between the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ministry of Agri- culture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (signed on 20.1.2014)
the signed Joint Declaration of Intent between the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the Peo- ple’s Republic of China on Joint Solutions for a sustainable future Sino-German Innovation Partnership on Agroecological Agriculture (signed on 18.01.2025).
the signed Joint Declaration of Intent between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identitiy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China on XXXXXXXX (signed on dd.mm.yyyy).

Subject to approval by the Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity of the Federal Republic of Germany (hereafter “BMLEH”) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (hereafter “MARA”) and subject to available budget, the following project will be implemented:

„Sino-German Agricultural Center – DCZ – 4th PHASE” The project implementation partners will be GFA Consulting Group GmbH (hereinafter “GFA”) on the German side and on the Chinese side for the general management of all results of the joined project’s log frame (see Annex X) the Foreign Economic Cooperation Centre (hereinaf- ter “FECC”). GFA as the General Agent of BMLEH is charged with identifying a suitable agency to implement the project for the German side (hereinafter referred to as “THE CONSULTANT“) as well as continuous steering, monitoring and evaluation and financial administration of the

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project for the German side. THE CONSULTANT will be identified through a public tender process.

2 Pr oj ect o bj ecti ves an d str uctur e

The DCZ aims to strengthen sustainable agricultural and rural development in both countries by providing a comprehensive platform for continuous exchange on strategies, technologies, methods, innovations, and trade-related issues. It supports political dialogue, advancements in trade-related issues, joint research, business cooperation, and knowledge transfer on topics such as food-production and trade standards, certification, geographical indications, novel foods, urban agriculture, digitalisation, carbon farming, rural development and climate-smart agriculture. The project’s direct beneficiaries include policymakers, advisory bodies, and agri- business organizations and researchers in both countries, while farmers and rural communities benefit indirectly through improved access to innovations and sustainable practices. By foster- ing mutual understanding, enhancing trade opportunities, and enabling and assisting in high- level dialogue, the DCZ contributes to more resilient, resource-efficient and climate-friendly agricultural systems in China and Germany. The close involvement of companies in dialogue, research, and practical projects is specifically strengthening the economic dimension and deepening bilateral cooperation. Potential for bilateral cooperation therefore lies in technical support on sanitary and phytosanitary issues and other trade-related topics.

The 4th phase of the DCZ supports both countries in jointly addressing key agricultural chal- lenges through enhanced political dialogue, bilateral economic cooperation, as well as scien- tific exchange, and practical cooperation. China’s rapid advances in digitalisation, artificial in- telligence, e-commerce, and scaled production systems offer learning opportunities for Ger- many, while German expertise in high-tech agricultural machinery, precision farming, and sus- tainable production systems remains highly relevant for China. Strengthened cooperation also contributes to discussions on climate-friendly agriculture, emissions accounting, carbon-effi- cient production systems, and sustainable soil management, thereby supporting global climate objectives under the Paris Agreement. In this regard, mutual knowledge exchange within the project is to be further expanded in order to achieve our common goals—namely, the devel- opment of climate-resilient agriculture and the protection of global goods.

More information on the project design and the expected results can be found in the logical framework of the project attached to this implementation agreement.

The overall objective as follows:

The development of an economically viable, environmentally and climate-friendly agricultural and food system in China and Germany, as well as the understanding of the necessary struc- tures and intergovernmental agreements required for this, have been strengthened.

The project objective as follows:

The platform-based dialogue enables continuous exchange among representatives from gov- ernment, business, and academia, and has strengthened rules-based trade as well as mutual knowledge of and understanding for innovative technological and regulatory approaches for a sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural and food system and rural areas.

Direct Target Groups

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Professionals and decision-makers in agricultural and food policy, economics, and science within MARA, its affiliated institutions such as FECC and CAAS and others (tbd); advisory and research institutions; and agricultural and food sector companies in both countries.

Indirect Target Groups

Agricultural enterprises, farmers, consumers and rural communities benefit from access to new innovations, knowledge, and sustainable production technologies, enhancing agricultural productivity,food security and food safety.

Project Regions

The DCZ main office will be based in Beijing. Component 4 (Economic and knowledge net- work for sustainable and resource-efficient farming systems) will work through pilot farms and business networks in selected provinces. The final provinces will be jointly agreed within the first months of project implementation. Currently proposed provinces include Heilongjiang, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia (to be discussed and confirmed) due to existing business pres- ence, suitable farm sizes, and cropping structures relevant for German agritech companies.

Expected Results

Overall results/principles (to be reported upon at PSC meetings by the DCZ team)

The exchange is reciprocal and transactional in nature. It promotes mutual learning and helps both sides to benefit from insights, innovations, and impetus. The DCZ is established as a cen- tral bilateral platform that structures, bundles, and continuously supports the technical, politi- cal, scientific, and economic exchange between Germany and China. The DCZ ensures the systematic integration of dialogue formats by coordinating dialogues on agricultural trade, ag- ricultural policy, and scientific topics with practice-oriented implementation and demonstration activities. The DCZ generates, documents, and consolidates evidence-based re- sults that emerge from dialogue formats. The funding is on parity terms. The DCZ contributes to the consolidation of bilateral cooperation.

Result 1: Dialogue on Trade and economic Cooperation

Exchange on regulatory issues, with a focus on production and trade standards, has been strengthened through the practical dialogue by highlighting differences and opportunities for harmonization.

Result 2: Political dialogue: Sustainable and efficient agricultural and food policy

In the policy dialogue, representatives from ministries and experts exchange views on regula- tory issues, with a focus on production and trade standards. Joint approaches for the develop- ment of sustainable frameworks are identified, and impulses for deepened bilateral coopera- tion are provided. The DCZ serves as the secretariat of the bilateral agricultural policy working group by supporting the structured preparation, implementation, and follow-up of the policy exchanges.

Result 3: Science and innovation dialogue

The DCZ supports the scientific dialogue as its secretariat, facilitating coordination between ministries and research institutions and assisting in the preparation of joint results. for science- related topics (e.g., circular economy, urban agriculture, digitalization, or novel foods).

Result 4: Economic and knowledge network for sustainable and resource-efficient farm- ing systems

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The testing and further development of innovative, economically viable, sustainable, and envi- ronmentally and climate-friendly production methods in crop and livestock farming has been strengthened on selected farms in China, in collaboration with German and Chinese partners, and is discussed and disseminated within a knowledge network.

Project Implementation

The Project shall be implemented on the basis of a structured methodological approach com- bining working groups, conferences, seminars, workshops, study tours, field visits, and written outputs including studies, analyses, background papers, and policy briefs. The DCZ shall con- tinue its established formats, including the Sino-German Agricultural Week (DCAW) and the DCZ Talks, and shall introduce additional formats such as agribusiness forums and field trials conducted on pilot farms. Cross-cutting study tours of up to two weeks shall support applied learning and foster dialogue across all components of the Project.

The Project’s activities shall be organised along four Fields of Action corresponding to the components agreed between the sides.

Under the Result 1 “Dialogue on Trade and economic cooperation” the DCZ shall facilitate thematic working groups addressing, inter alia, production standards and food safety; approval standards and residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs; reduction of antibiotics in animal husbandry; animal genetics in pig and poultry systems; animal health; and agricultural machin- ery and efficient input use. The DCZ shall provide moderation, expert contributions, analyses, background studies, and policy briefs to support these exchanges. The DCAW shall serve as a platform for business matchmaking and innovation showcases in coordination with German business partners including DLG, AHK, and VDMA. Interaction with Chinese partner institu- tions shall include, but not be limited to, NAHS (animal genetics, biosafety, livestock systems), REEA and the Green Food Development Center (eco-standards), and the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center (trade fairs, data exchange). The Chinese side, represented by FECC, shall coordinate and consolidate the contributions of all Chinese partner institutions involved. FECC shall provide a complete list of participating Chinese partners and shall ensure coherent coor- dination among them.

Under the Result 2 “Political Dialogue: Sustainable and efficient agricultural and food policy ” the DCZ shall promote technical coordination between MARA, BMLEH authorities, and relevant research institutions. Thematic priorities shall include trade with animal products, market openings, pesticide and veterinary drug residue standards and respective detection methodologies, regulatory framework conditions for seeds and pesticides thresholds for anti- biotics in organic products, standards-compliant agricultural products,.animal health stand- ards, geographical indications, comparisons of ecological and organic standards, as well as rural development, digitalisation in agriculture and climate-smart agricutulture. The DCZ shall prepare analyses, studies, and background research for the annual political dialogue. A dedi- cated Political Day within the DCAW shall provide a venue for senior-level exchange between both sides. Relevant Chinese and German institutions shall include REEA, the Green Food Development Center, the Center of Agro-Product Safety and Quality, BfR, and BVL (non-ex- haustive list). FECC shall ensure that the contributions from all Chinese institutions are aligned, timely, and consistent with the jointly agreed annual work plans. This component is also in- tended to promote interministerial cooperation through establishing thematic technical working groups to strengthen the exchange of ideas between the two ministries. The working groups are thought to be thematically focused and time-bound (for example, the prevention and man- agement of animal diseases with an approximate duration of 1.5 years). The topics are jointly proposed and defined by the German and Chinese counterparts and formally endorsed during

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the annual meeting of the Project Steering Committee (e.g. by BMEL and MARA). In addition, thematic priorities may be initiated based on partner demands. The working groups operate in a results-oriented manner and are designed to deliver concrete technical outputs, including recommendations, conceptual papers, and pilot initiatives. They involve relevant specialist de- partments of the BMLEH and MARA as well as specialized agencies under it. It is supported by the DCZ as a secretariat, has clearly designated contact persons on the German and Chi- nese sides, and prepares coordinated minutes with agreed follow-up steps for each meeting.

Within the Result 3 “Science and Innovation Dialogue” cooperation shall focus on CO₂ se- questration, digital agriculture (as well as digital rural development), circular economy, sustain- able production systems, risk assessments of mixed contamination in agricultural products, novel food, bioeconomy, and urban agriculture. The Sides shall conduct research workshops, scientific exchanges, and joint study tours. Potential flagship partners include CAAS, Fuxi Farm for digital and autonomous farming systems, and RCRE in the domains of rural economy, digitalisation, and innovation. FECC shall coordinate inputs from all scientific Chinese partners and ensure institutional alignment.

The Result 4 “Economic and knowledge network for sustainable and resource-efficient farming systems” shall focus on applied field demonstrations of innovative production tech- niques in crop and livestock systems, such as digital agriculture and precision farming, water- saving irrigation, carbon emission reduction, reduction of harvest losses, improved silage qual- ity, soil protection and conservation agriculture, fertiliser and input reduction. The selection of pilot farms shall be undertaken jointly by the German side, FECC, and the relevant Chinese authorities, according to jointly defined criteria. Selection shall be completed within the first six months of implementation. Initially, 3 provinces shall be selected, with up to three pilot farms per province. Priority shall be given to farms operating livestock or cooperating with livestock farms to enable trials on manure management/circular resource use. Participation of compa- nies already active in the respective regions shall enhance technical and logistical support. Interested companies include CLAAS, Bayer, BASF, Lemken, Horsch, and Amazone, with ad- ditional interest from Grimme and Vogelsang. Further innovation and business partners are to be identified during the implementation period. Implementation agreements are to be devel- oped and signed during the initial 6 months. Further innovation themes are to be closely iden- tified in collaboration with Component 1. The network shall ensure bimonthly video confer- ences on trial results, expert contributions from research institutions, matchmaking among German and Chinese companies, online channels for sharing videos and results, annual field days and in-season demonstrations, and the presentation of field results during the DCAW, including technical seminars. FECC shall coordinate contributions from all Chinese pilot farms and provincial institutions involved.

Implementing Partners and Their Roles on the German Side

Political Partner

• German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) Provides overall political steering and ensures the strategic direction of the project.

Main Implementing Partner

• Implementing Organisation/THE CONSULTANT (to be selected through a com- petitive tender process) Responsible for the operational implementation of project activities, including planning, execution, and reporting.

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Other:

• GFA Consulting Group GmbH (General Agent of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity) Supports overall coordination, project management, and administrative processes, act- ing as an interface between the Ministry and the implementing organisation.

• Research Institutes and Subordinate Agencies of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (as required) Provide technical expertise, scientific input, and support to specific project components where relevant.

Implementing Partners and Their Roles on the Chinese Side

Political Partner

• Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) MARA provides political steering, policy oversight, and strategic guidance for all project activities.

Main Implementing Partner

• Foreign Economic Cooperation Center (FECC), MARA

o FECC shall act as the lead implementing institution and the central coordi- nating body on the Chinese side.

o FECC is responsible for:

Defining, coordinating, and consolidating all partner contributions.
Submitting to the German side a comprehensive and binding list of all participating Chinese partner institutions, including their mandates, roles, activities, and committed contributions to the project.
Ensuring that all listed partners fulfil their agreed technical, administra- tive, and financial inputs in accordance with the implementation agree- ment.

o FECC is the primary point of contact for overall coordination, reporting, and communication with THE CONSULTANT and GFA.

Other Potential Chinese Partners and Their Contributions

Rural Energy and Environment Agency (REEA)

o Access to eco-farm network, CO₂-reduction technologies, rural energy transi- tion, environmental protection; Lead responsibility for Result 4.

National Animal Husbandry Station (NAHS)

o Livestock systems, breeding, biosafety; Contributions to Results 1 and 4.

Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS)

o Scientific and technical advisory services; Contributions to Results 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Fuxi Farm

o Smart farming technologies, digital innovation; Contributions to Results 1 and 3.

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Research Center for Rural Economy (RCRE)

o Policy analysis, policy dialogue, innovation support, DCAW content develop- ment; Contributions to Results 1, 2, and 3.

Center of Agro-Product Safety and Quality

o Food safety, quality standards, risk assessment; Contributions to Results 1 and 2.

China Green Food Development Center

o Standards, geographical indications (GI), organic and green certification sys- tems; Contributions to Results 1 and 2.

Agricultural Trade Promotion Center (ATPC)

o Trade policy, fairs/exhibitions, data exchange; Contribution to Result 1.

Cultivated Land Quality & Farmland Engineering Center

o Soil protection, conservation, black soil strategies; Contribution to Result 4.

Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

o Urban–peri-urban agriculture, farm cooperation, demonstration activities; Con- tributions to Results 2, 3 and 4.

3 Pr oj ect d ur ati on

The project is expected to last from 01 July 2026 until 31 June 2029. If BMLEH and MARA agree, the project may be extended for up to another 24 months (until 31 June 2031), provided that sufficient funding is available. In year 3 of the project, an external evaluation will be con- ducted. Following the recommendations of the evaluation and the decisions of MARA and BMLEH, a potential fifth phase of the project can be planned, which would start either in 2029 or in 2031 (depending on the extension).

Each side may suspend or completely terminate its project contributions if circumstances arise which preclude or significantly jeopardize the implementation of the project or the achievement of its objectives. The sides will inform each other by written notice about ceasing cooperation and underlying reasons. For unilateral early termination of this project implementation agree- ment, a notice period of at least 3 months must be observed.

4 C on tri bu ti ons by p roj ect p artn er s

It is agreed that both Sides will contribute to the project and that costs will be shared equally. The DCZ operative team (CONSULTANT and FECC) are supposed to report about the fulfil- ment of the cost-sharing agreement during the ste

4 . 1 Contri buti ons a nd s e rv i ce s prov i de d by the G e rma n s i de vi a the CO NS ULT ANT (w i th fi na nc e from BMLE H, s ubj e c t to a p- prov a l a nd a va i l a ble budge t):

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German Side:

• 50% cost-sharing for events (including the German-Chinese Agricultural Week, field days, seminars, and workshops including translation) • 1 Managing Director DCZ • 1 Business Coordinator (Result 1) • 1 Policy Analysis Expert (Results 1–3) • 1 Science Coordinator (Result 3) • 1 Agricultural Expert and Lead of Component 4 (agricultural machinery, agronomy, agricultural value chains) (Result 4) • 1 Agronomist (Result 4) • 2 Assistants (all result areas) • Short-term specialists • Travel costs for German-funded specialists • Funding of study tours for Chinese representatives to Germany (Results 2–4) (exclud- ing airfare) – a total of 3 TIVs over a period of three years • Support for IT equipment (Laptops) and technical infrastructure on the ground • Coverage of airfare for participants from Germany attending study tours in China (Re- sults 2–4) – a total of 3 study tours over a period of three years

2 Contri buti ons a nd s e rv i ce s prov i de d by the Chi ne s e s i de v i a FE CC (w i th fi na nc e from MARA, s ubj e c t to a pprov a l a nd a va i l a ble budge t):

• 50% cost-sharing for events (including the German-Chinese Agricultural Week, field days, seminars, and workshops including translation) • 1 Managing Director DCZ • 1 Business Coordinator (Result 1) • 1 Science Expert (Result 3) • 1 Agricultural Expert (agricultural machinery, agronomy, agricultural value chains) • Fixed contact persons at the institution under “Other Key Potential Chinese Partners and Their Contributions” • 1 Assistant • Short-term experts • Travel costs for China-funded specialists (excluding flights) • Funding of study tours for German representatives to China (Results 2–4) (excluding airfare) – a total of 3 TIVs over a period of three years • Coverage of airfare for participants from China attending study tours in Germany (Re- sults 2–4) – a total of 3 study tours over a period of three years • Costs for German partners joining study tours to China (excluding flights) • In-kind contributions: Provision of office space at FECC for the entire German team mentioned nuder 4.1, including coverage of associated operating costs such as cleaning services, internet (Wi-Fi), electricity, and other basic utilities. • Overall support in visa, tax and work-related issues enabling the smooth operation of the DCZ.

5 Pr oj ect steer ing

A Project Steering Committee (PSC) shall be established for the technical and organizational supervision of the project implementation as well as for partner coordination issues. The PSC is the central steering unit of the Project and has an influence on the implementation of all four

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Project results. The PSC will be politically managed by Deputy Directors General of the Inter- national Cooperation Departments of MARA and BMLEH. The tasks of the PSC include:

• Monitoring the overall progress of the Project, including partner contributions.

• Deciding on necessary adjustments to the Project design (project planning overview) based on reporting

• Approval of the annual work plan The basic procedures of the PSC are:

• Annual PSC meetings, taking place in either China or Germany (or virtually) in prem- ises provided by the respective side

• The meetings are jointly chaired by BMLEH and MARA at the level of Deputy Directors General of the International Departments

• In case a PSC member is prevented from attending, a replacement must be nominated to BMLEH and MARA in due time.

• All decision-relevant Project documents as well as the agenda shall be made available to the members of the PSC in writing at least two weeks before the meeting.

• The PSC meeting shall be prepared by both managing directors in a joint and coopera- tive manner.

• Decisions of the PSC can only be taken by consensus. If it is not possible to reach a consensual decision on a proposal, the contractual partners shall issue a work order to selected members of the PSC to develop a compromise proposal that is capable of reaching a consensus.

• The PSC minutes shall be signed by both ministry representatives no later than 4 weeks after the meeting.

• An extraordinary meeting of the PSC may be convened at the initiative of the PSC Chairperson or at the request of at least 1/3 of the PSC members.

6 Mu tual Non -D i sclo su r e Ag r eemen t

The sides must not disclose confidential information. The project implementation contract be- tween GFA and THE CONSULTANT includes a corresponding confidentiality clause.

7 Settl emen t of di spu tes

Differences of opinion shall be settled by mutual agreement in the best interests of the Sides.

8 En tr y in to for ce

This Project Implementation Agreement shall come into force from the date of its signature by the Sides and remain in force in accordance with chapter 3. This Project Implementation Agreement will be signed in English language.

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9 L an gu ag e

All correspondence exchanged and documents executed for the purpose of this Project Im- plementation Agreement shall be in English language. IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned being duly authorized by their respective govern- ments have signed this Project Implementation Agreement concerning the “Sino-German Ag- ricultural Center Phase Nr.4”.

On behalf of On behalf of the GFA Consulting Group GmbH (GFA) Foreign Economic Cooperation Centre (FECC)

Place/Date Place/Date

Signature Signature

(Name, Position) (Name, Position)

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Anlage_P3_Entwurf_Durchfuehrungsvereinbarung_GFA-FECC_DCZ_4.pdf