Four principles have guided JCRR and CAPD operations through out the last 30 years, as follows: (l) It is essential that farmers feel the need for the services provided.
當年農民性格多較保守，不願採行新技術、種植新作物，為了促使農民接受建議，農復會有時還提出「賠錢算我的、賺錢給你」的承諾。因此，中興大學校長、前農復會主任委員李崇道，笑說這是一個專門「圖利他人」的機構。