1a.Objectives (from AD-416)
To strengthen the cooperation between the parties and focus on the mutual interest in the broad areas of animal science, plant science, soil science, agriculture and other additional fields mutally agreed upon by both parties.

1b.Approach (from AD-416)
The MOU defines in general terms the basis for which both parties will cooperate and, conditions for the RDA resident scientist to be dispatech to ARS.

3.Progress Report

This report documents research conducted under an MOU umbrella agreement that facilitates cooperation between ARS and the Rural Development Administration (RDA). The MOU was signed by the administrators of both agencies in 2007 to cover a five year period of agricultural research cooperation of mutual interest to both parties in areas including animal, plant, natural resources, storage, processing and handling of agricultural production and protection. Additional areas for cooperation developed under this umbrella are undertaken as the mutual decision of ARS and RDA. Current activities under this MOU are funded under (and reported on) a Trust Agreement, Project number 0210-22310-003-43T.