For playing a central and instrumental role in promoting agricultural science and technology development in the country, FFTC Director Dr. Jen-Chyuan Lee was awarded a silver medal of recognition by the National Science Council (NSC) of Taiwan ROC during its 50th anniversary ceremony on April 28, 2009. Taiwan's Premier Chao-Shiuan Liu awarded the silver medal to Director Lee, marking the first time that such a prestigious recognition was bestowed to a former government administrator from the agriculture sector.

Director Lee was cited for his long-time dedication and commitment in the transformation of Taiwan's traditional agriculture into a knowledge-based agriculture as Deputy Minister of the Council of Agriculture (COA), Executive Yuan, Taiwan ROC for 11 years, from May 1997 to May 2008. He is also well recognized for his dynamic and active involvement in crafting major programs and policies on agricultural S&T development following Taiwan's WTO accession, in advancing innovative ideas to strengthen farmers' welfare, in pursuing agricultural reforms for the sustainable development of rural villages, and in advocating social marketing for Taiwan's New Agriculture Movement