A message for United potato growers: United Potato Growers of America has contracted with three corporate partners in 2008.
2008 United Potato Partners:
1. Bayer CropScience
2. AMVAC Chemical Corporation
3. WinField Solutions
Note: Some United co-ops have also partnered with local sponsors that provide various benefits.
The United Potato Partners program is an exciting benefit of membership in United.
Grower eligibility: United members in good standing are eligible to participate in the United Potato Partners program.
United Potato Partner Seminar
In each major potato production region, UPGA will work with chapter leaders to present a free seminar for all growers. At the seminar the United Potato Partners will be given an opportunity to present more about their company, their products, and their programs. In addition, UPGA will coordinate with the chapter coop to find appropriate speakers that can address costs of production, demand for the growers’ product, and a demonstration of the data available to growers through the website and weekly conference calls.
Bayer CropScience
The Bayer CropScience United Potato Partners sponsorship is one that furthers sustainable agriculture and fosters a strong world food supply. Bayer CropScience, an international crop science company, is a main presenter at United Potato Partner seminars being held in major potato growing regions. The free seminars are an opportunity for growers to learn the economic tools needed to help them better target prospective markets and meet customers’ needs.
This partnership not only underwrites the costs of the seminars, but should provide additional income to the chapter co-ops as determined by the UPGA board of directors based upon recommendations of the United Potato Partners oversight committee. Your local United co-op leaders will provide further information as appropriate throughout the year.
AMVAC Chemical Corporation
AMVAC Chemical Corporation, a specialty and agriculture products company, manufacturers many products including
VAPAM, a fumigant that controls and suppresses many weeds and soil borne diseases. AMVAC has committed to training growers to safely use and handle its products for optimum acreage productivity. AMVAC works with growers to develop products key to grower success.
This partnership not only underwrites the costs of the seminars, but should provide additional income to the chapter co-ops and participating PMANA co-ops as determined by the UPGA board of directors based upon recommendations of the United Potato Partners oversight committee. Your local United co-op leaders will provide further information as appropriate throughout the year.
WinField Solutions
WinField Solutions, an agriculture product distributor owned by Land O’Lakes, Inc., has negotiated a value-added, corporate program agreement. Individual United and PMANA members in good standing will earn a direct bonus payment on crop protection products when purchased through WinField Solutions’ aligned cooperatives and dealer network, service centers, and Agriliance retail facilities. If there is no dealer in your area, please have your co-op leader contact the national office to help coordinate a dialogue between your area and WinField Solutions to identify potential dealers to join the network.
Arranging your value-added direct bonus payment
The WinField Solutions purchase program is in effect from September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008. The value-added direct bonus payment will be paid to United Potato Growers of America once a year by calendar year end and then distributed to participating United and PMANA members.
It is the local United co-op’s responsibility to provide individual grower name, address, and entity name to the UPGA national office to allow for member grower participation. No receipts or sales data are required from the growers. All data is tracked by WinField Solutions using AgriMine software.
WinField Solutions Fleet Purchase Program
In addition, United and PMANA members in good standing are eligible to purchase new and leased vehicles through Saxon Fleet Services management program. Members must be a WinField Solutions or aligned retail customer as well. The vehicle may be for personal or professional use.
Discounts are available on most common models with manufacturers including Ford, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, and General Motors. (Ford products are only available for commercial registration.) Call 1-651-312-1867 to request a Saxon Fleet Services order form.
For further information
Contact the UPGA national office at (801) 517-9000 if we can provide any further clarifications about the 2008 United Potato Partner program. Best wishes for a profitable and safe production season.