The market for consultants in the Idaho potato industry

Abstract

Idaho potato growers and consultants were surveyed to analyze the market for consulting services. Potato growers use three types of technical consultants to improve the profitability of their operations: public consultants, industry consultants, and independent consultants. Growers rated independent consultants most reliable and were most satisfied with industry consultants. Growers rated their own records as the most valuable sources of information for making production, marketing and financial decisions. Consultants were most widely used in production decisions. Pest identification and control was the most commonly offered service by Idaho consultants. Growers who were satisfied with previous use of independent consultants were more likely to continue to use consulting services. Consultants are generally providing the types of services demanded by growers. The largest unmet needs are for consulting services in marketing, business planning and storage management.