Memorandum of Understanding Between the Agency for International Development and the Purdue University

The MOU is based on the authority contained in Title XII of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. The ultimate objective of this partnership is the prevention of famine and freedom from hunger by providing long-term support to the application of science for solving food and nutrition problems in developing countries. The commitment of eligible universities, including Purdue University, to participate in AID's international agricultural programs is recognized as vital in providing sustained support for helping developing countries to solve their food and nutrition problems. At the same time, the commitment of AID to a long-term relationship with universities is recognized as essential if universities are to achieve their full potential in assisting AID to accomplish its mission. The MOU establishes the initial framework for a collaborative relationship and understanding between AID and Purdue University, and provides broad guidelines for the joint planning and implementation of international food, nutrition, agricultural development, and related programs. The MOU also facilitates the further development of an efficient and effective long-term partnership and working relationship between the University and AID in the conduct of mutually agreed upon components of the AID program and Title XII legislation. Purdue University has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that encourage faculty and staff involvement in international programs, and has demonstrated its commitment to University involvement in such programs. The University has also submitted its data for the Registry of Institutional Resources (RIR) to the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD). The MOU is effective for five years and may be extended for one year as mutually agreed by the parties at the time of each annual review and forward planning exercise. The parties will conduct a formal review and forward planning exercise annually, which will cover all activities conducted under the MOU, including a review of ongoing implementation of policies and procedures under Articles II and V. The exercise will also include a review of projected activities for the next five-year period and identification of opportunities in terms of Title XII projects, programs of work of individual faculty, and research and training. AID agrees to use its best efforts to support the level of person-years of professional services in the subject fields as specified in Article VI, including plant genetics, improvement, and production, farming systems, farm management, and agricultural production economics, public policies relevant to agricultural modernization, rural development, and international agricultural trade, tropical and subtropical soils and other natural resources, human nutrition and health, alternative sources of energy and energy policies, and animal production and health. AID will provide alternative program and project opportunities, a Program Support Grant, and other alternatives to sustain the employment levels specified in Article VI-I-B.