Much of the JGOFS project takes place at the national level, with national committees planning and funding their own programmes which contribute to JGOFS aims, without putting demands on the international planning process. However, it is highly desirable for national committees to take full account of the international context, to maximise the scientific contribution of their own research to global flux questions.

National JGOFS groups formulate plan for their activities, based on the JGOFS Science Plan and Implementation Plan. The national chairs of these groups then take part in JGOFS SSC meetings, during which they report how national plans and activities are contributing to the international goals. The SSC provides advice and comments on their activities that allow the national groups to refine their plans in the light of JGOFS scientific and operational goals. This process also allows the SSC to identify gaps in the overall programme.