US Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture Alexei Gordeyev today signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in agriculture.

"This agreement recognizes the importance of the agricultural relationship and partnership between the United States and Russia," Veneman said. "It lays the groundwork for mutually beneficial, cooperative activities in a number of areas."

These areas include:

• investment in agriculture;
• veterinary and phytosanitary activities;
• animal and plant genetics and biotechnology;
• joint agricultural research, extension and education;
• agricultural policy and development of rural areas; and
• sustainable agriculture development.

The two countries agreed to form three Working Groups to facilitate and review cooperation under the MOU including: Agricultural Policy, Agribusiness and Investment; Research, Education and Extension; and Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.

The Working Groups will be co-chaired by representatives of USDA and the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and will meet regularly throughout the year. In some cases, other interested government agencies, private agribusiness and scientific institutions from both countries may participate in the Working Groups’ activities. Veneman and Gordeyev will meet annually in Washington, D.C. and Moscow to review the progress.