On July 2nd, local time, at the 43rd session of the Ministerial Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, the incumbent Director-General Qu Dongyu was re-elected with a large majority of votes, receiving 168 votes out of 182 delegates. Qu Dongyu was elected as the first Chinese Director-General of FAO in June 2019.

Qu came to the Institute of Vegetable and Flower (IVF), Chinese Academic of Agricultural Sciences in April 1983 for study under Zhu Mingkai and Cheng Tianqing, and he obtained his master's degree in July 1986, and started working at the IVF that same year. For over 20 years, Qu has been involved in potato genetic breeding and biotechnology research. He clarified the genetic mechanism of potato's diploid gametes and successfully developed a high-starch potato variety called Zhongda No.1 using diploid gametes for the first time in China. This achievement won him second prize for scientific progress from Ministry of Agriculture in 1998. In March 1995, he served as Assistant Director of Vegetable and Flower Institute; In June 1996, he became a member of Party Committee at Vegetable and Flower Institute; In March 1997, he was appointed Deputy Director; From November 2000 to November 2002, he served as its fifth director.

Qu has always cared about and supported the development of the IVF. Since taking office as FAO Director-General in 2019, he has visited twice to provide guidance on research work. He fully recognizes achievements made by the IVF regarding technological innovation supporting high-quality industry development etc., encourages all staff members to inherit "unity, dedication, exploration, and pragmatism" spirit rooted within Chinese vegetable community，to demonstrate their mission responsibility during great journey towards rural revitalization, to carry forward spirit of "great ambitions come with great sacrifices, daring to change the world", and to unite, strive, and move forward courageously in order to contribute their strength to agricultural development.

Qu has made significant contributions to the Institute's prosperity and development, and his re-election as Director-General of FAO is an honour and a source of pride for the IVF and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.