You are cordially invited to attend the 5^th International Crop Science Congress (5^th ICSC) sponsored by the Korean Society of Crop Science, to be held from 13 to 18 April 2008 in Jeju, Korea. Jeju island has many attractions, the major one being Halla Mountain, which is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. This occasion will be an excellent opportunity for many crop scientists from diverse regions of the world to interact with each other and to exchange scientific information.

Rapid development in crop production research has been chiefly responsible for great progress in agricultural development, resulting in four-fold increase in average crop yields and six-fold rise in total harvest during the past 50 years. However, crop science is increasingly confronted by the threats to human health and environmental degradation. Thus, crop science faces the challenge to offer solutions in ensuring poverty alleviation, food security, and balanced diet for the growing world population through the development of sustainable cropping systems that have beneficial effects on the environment.

The International Crop Science Congress is a product of the increasing awareness that scientific advancement in developing crop production systems that are both sustainable and able to meet the increasing demands for food production can be achieved through international cooperation among crop scientists.

The theme of the 5^th ICSC, ‘Recognizing Past Achievements, Meeting Future Needs!’ is appropriate for the establishment of the future direction of crop production systems. This is a challenge worthy of your best efforts and your enthusiastic participation. We firmly believe we can move forward to better agricultural systems and contribute to the well being of the world.

Dr. Ho-Jin Lee Congress President

Dr. Suk-Ha Lee Congress Chief Executive Officer