There is a cost to acquiring, analyzing, and implementing the data relating to potato markets. Until now, these costs have been borne by United’s growers. Corporations that supply potato growers with everything from potato handling equipment, to tractors, to field chemicals and fertilizers, irrigation equipment, and packing and packaging equipment can now, through a carefully structured program, offset the cost of the database nationally and regionally.

Q 2: Why form a strategic alliance between United growers and crop input manufacturers?

A: A strategic alliance is an agreement among organizations that aims toward a common objective. The objective that a potato grower has in common with a crop-input manufacturer is that each party wishes to survive and thrive in the potato business. Profitability for each party depends upon the value each can derive from dealing with the other.

Q 3: Can each grower continue with a local retailer of their choice even though United has a relationship with a particular manufacturer at the national level?

A: The advent of United Potato Partners does not mean that the local retailer/grower relationship goes away. The grower can rest assured of his freedom to obtain the best possible value from his local retailer while United engages manufacturers at the national level.

Millions are spent annually to advertise products to potato growers. Is this the most effective use of an advertising budget? Can relationships between manufacturers and growers take a more effective form? The United Potato Partners Program answers these questions in a positive way.

Q 4: Manufacturers and retailers constantly review their marketing channels to assure effectiveness. Can that process be improved by including United  in a manufacturer’s marketing strategy?

A: United reaches 80 percent of U.S. and Canadadian potato growers by providing them with market intelligence that can  improve profitability. By becoming a United Potato Partner, companies have a direct line to the grower.