Key Principles of a Cooperative Relationship

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This document is intended to define what is meant when we use the term "partnership agreement" and is specifically intended to be used in the development of written negotiated "Partnership Agreements" with state and local agencies, as well as associations of officials of such agencies. The NASDA State-Federal Program Review Task Force recommends that the principles contained in the following document be used by the state departments of agriculture as a guide when considering cooperative programs with USDA and other federal agencies.

The goal remains now, as before, to maximize the utilization of available resources in the most efficient and effective manner while achieving the highest level of service delivery. NASDA believes the USDA should be given the authority to enter into cooperative agreements with the states in implementing all polices and programs of the department when such agreements would benefit the state and federal governments and U.S. producers and consumers.

As used in this document, a partnership is defined as a "working relationship characterized by mutual participation and joint interest. The partners could include federal, state, and local agencies, industry, academia, and other organizations.  This is especially important in planning program activities and working to maintain and enhance the level of knowledge and expertise within the partnership. Each involved party has specific program authorities, responsibilities, and interests that are mutually beneficial.