4d.Progress report.
This report serves to document activities conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Agricultural Research Service and the National Council on Science and Technology (CONACYT) of the United Mexican States. Work in this reporting period focused on a general framework for the establishment of a binational virtual laboratory whose objectives are to provide access to advanced, cutting-edge science, monitor scientific trends, and assess the state-of-art in key areas of mutual interest, for the benefit of Mexican and U.S. agriculture. ARS submitted a second draft document pertaining to the establishment of a binational virtual laboratory to CONACYT for review and opinion. In May 2004, USDA-REE Undersecretary Joseph Jen and an ARS-OIRP International Affairs Specialist met with CONACYT Director General Jaime Parada Avila to discuss potential cooperative activities, including a scientist exchange program. CONACYT budget reductions in 2005 delayed the initiation of a pilot exchange program.