Objective:
The USDA/ARS and the Academy of Finland (AoF), hereby affirm their mutual interest in, and desire to broaden cooperative research programs and exchanges. The Participants recognize that cooperation is a matter of working together toward common goals of mutual interest, not merely cooperative financing or sharing of research activities. The Participants also recognize that successful cooperation occurs only through mutual understanding and efficient administration of cooperative programs. Nothing in this broad understanding is to be construed as interfering in any way with the basic responsibilities and authority of either Participant for independent action. The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen the cooperation between the Participants in a collaborative effort to enhance the provision of advice on science and policy, in the fields of food, environment and agriculture, to their respective Governments.

Approach:
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) defines in general terms the basis on which the Participants intend to cooperate. Based on collaboration, individual research projects may be developed between the ARS and Finnish research organizations. The Participants intend jointly to explore and coordinate research activities of mutual interest which will be implemented by mutual understanding and in conformity with the regulations and policies of both Participants.