Objective:
The objective of this Annex is to establish the Centers for Agro-Ecology & Sustainability co-located at China Agricultural University in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) U.S. Salinity Laboratory and the University of California-Riverside in Riverside, California, USA. To conduct research, develop scientific tools and technology, and introduce improved methods for agricultural and environmental sustainability, and food security through information exchange, education and proactive outreach activities.

Approach:
The Parties each will maintain a “virtual” center which jointly will comprise the “virtual” Centers for Agro-Ecology & Sustainability (hereinafter the “Joint Centers”). The Joint Centers will principally coordinate activities of participating agencies and universities throughout the respective countries. Each Party is hereby designated to represent its Center, to carry out activities such as liaising with appropriate agencies, representing that Party’s position regarding projects for the Joint Centers, and serving as lead agency for each Party. Each Party will have a Director heads its Center. MOST will coordinate implementation with the relevant agencies in China. USDA will coordinate implementation with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of California-Riverside.