Modern science and technology have just been entering the field of grass-based livestock husbandry, and “less input, low output and poor platform” restrict the development of forage breeding and industry in China. Although the development of grass-based livestock husbandry is ready to take off, the lack of scientific and technological innovation is difficult to ensure China’s food security; furthermore, there are few institutions and teams that focus on forage breeding research in China. Therefore, we organize the special issue ‘Forage Biology’, aiming to promote public awareness of the scientific and technological innovation, industrial development and national forage seed industry safety.