THE MARKET FOR CONSULTANTS IN THE IDAHO-POTATO-INDUSTRY

Idaho potato growers and consultants were surveyed to analyze the mark et for consulting services. Potato growers use three types of technica l consultants to improve the profitability of their operations: public consultants, industry consultants, and independent consultants, Growe rs rated independent consultants most reliable and were most satisfied with industry consultants. Growers rated their own records as the mos t 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 offer ed service by Idaho consultants. Growers who were satisfied with previ ous 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 consult ing services in marketing, business planning and storage management.