the center for agricultural and rural development (card) was founded by zhejiang university and it's under the direct lead of the university. the main purpose of its foundation is to exert the superiority of research in agricultural and rural modernization as well as the advantage of research in regional economy. and the final purpose is to take active part in china's agricultural and rural modernization. the main functions of card are organizing research projects, scholastic communication, training up high level talents, consultation.