17.2 Partnership Concept
The current environment of government downsizing, competing priorities, increasing resource constraints, consumer demands, and industry's concern for a level playing field necessitates changes in the way we do business. What we have done in the past in the area of Federal/State cooperative programs has served the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state governments well, but we must now use broad, innovative strategies to ensure agency mandates are achieved, and industry and consumer concerns are addressed.
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.