TARI has ten R&D divisions, i.e., Crop Science, Crop Genetic Resources and Biotechnology Division, Agricultural Chemistry, Plant Pathology, Applied Zoology, Agricultural Engineering; two affiliated units, i.e., Agricultural Technology Translation Center and Agricultural Development and Service Center; four administrative offices, i.e., Secretariat, Personnel, Accounting and Statistics Office, and Civil Service Ethics; there branches, i.e., Floricultural Experiment Branch, Chiayi Agricultural Experiment Branch and Fengshan Tropical Horticultural Experiment Branch.

　As of July 31, 2023, TARI has 231 research scientists, among them 79 with Ph.D. and 128 with M.Sc. degrees.

TARI conserves, studies, uses, and shares the collections of genetic resources of diverse agronomic and horticultural crops.

At the heart of TARI's work and accomplishments, TARI develops crop varieties for the benefit of farmers and consumers. We conduct genetic and physiological research to improve crops for better quality and higher yield, resistance to diseases and insect pests, and tolerance of environmental stresses. In this endeavor, we employ both conventional breeding and new tools such as tissue culture, marker-assisted selection, genomics and genetic modification.

TARI develops ways to add economic value to crops products by preserving freshness, extending shelf life, processing, and improving value-chain linkages.

Other than genetic resistance to diseases and insect pests, we focus on measures such as non-chemical control, holistic crop-health care, and new quarantine techniques.

We develop technologies and systems on soil and nutrient management, and integrated crop and resource management that adapt to increasing risk of floods and droughts induced by climate change, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We conduct research to identify key research issues, and to assess TARI's impacts.

We transfer acquired innovations to the agri-food industry, and strengthen capacity building in the extension system to increase technology adoption, expand industrial capabilities and enhance competitiveness.