We have seen a recent explosion of genomics data and its wide application to understanding the genetic basis of plant variation associated with crop yield increase. Next generation sequencing technology enables fast acquisition of genomic data and allows deeper and systematic mining of genetic diversity. Integration of genomics knowledge with conventional genetic research methodology creates novel niches in crop plant biology. This conference will present recent genomic breakthroughs to explore key questions in crop productivity, covering a broad range of topics in which functional genomics methodologies are used to dissect the mechanisms of crop production and sustainability. The new developments in agricultural genomics create new opportunities to investigate the genomic diversity of crops and germplasms, heterosis, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and determinants of quality and yield, and to apply these findings in crop breeding.