The Chinese Academy of Forestry plays a vital role in scientific and technological innovation on forestry and grassland in China. Over the past 60 years, it has developed a science-based technological innovation system and well-informed decision-making consulting system, covering the following main fields: Forest Ecology and Environment, Tree Genetic Improvement, Silviculture, Forest Resources Management, Forest Protection, Wetlands Restoration, Desertification Combating, Grass Seed Industry and Grassland Protection, Wood Science and Technology, Forest Product Chemistry, Forestry Machinery and Forestry Development Strategy.

As of now, Chinese Academy of Forestry has two national key laboratories and 19 laboratories at provincial levels, 35 field stations of terrestrial ecosystem research, 27 engineering technology research centers, 11 national forest tree germplasm banks and 67,000 ha experimental forests.