In 1994, three colleges within the University of Minnesota signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institut Agronomique et Veterinaire Hassan II in Morocco.  The goal of the Memorandum is to foster the maintenance and enhancement of the strong academic, scientific and institutional linkages existing between the Institut and the University which have developed through 25 years of collaboration.  The visits sponsored under the auspices of the Linkage Program must contribute to the realization of a strong institutional objective, advance and strengthen the broader institutional relationship and promote future benefits to the institutions.

The faculty exchanges are jointly funded.  The home institution pays for international air travel; the host institution covers the major in-country costs for each visit.  The program funds 34 visits per year allowing 10-days per visit.

Within the Institut, faculty members from either the Rabat or Agadir campuses are eligible to submit proposals.  At the University of Minnesota, faculty within the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences; College of Natural Resources; and College of Veterinary Medicine are eligible to participate in the exchange program.