Strategic Planning & Investment Services
Volatility in global agricultural production, trade and markets compels agri-food entities to be forward-thinking with planning and investment. WPI has collaborated with public and private industry stakeholders to identify and quantify investment opportunities, develop strategic plans and gain executive-level support for new ventures and initiatives.
Any company that follows up like WPI deserves our business. WPI Customer, 2017
Recent Consulting Engagements
Investment Analysis
WPI produced low-cost consumer surveys and market research data on behalf of an agricultural exporter group in several key global markets. The resulting data pointed towards measurable increases in consumer demand and the client subsequently used this data to obtain additional USDA/FAS funding for export promotion efforts.
Due Diligence
WPI provided due diligence assistance to a Canadian company on an oilseed crush plant in the Ukraine. Local soybean production available to the $24 million investment at Reni in Odessa has increased over 550 percent since its construction.
Investment Analysis
WPI conducted a series of evaluations of technical research and industry communication efforts funded by a national commodity producer’s association. Recommendations included a better spatial alignment of goals with measurable results in research and communication. The association revised its strategic plan and now more accurately measures expenditures, timing and outcomes.
Export Infrastructure
The board of an industry organization voted to use their assets to start an export trading company. WPI was asked to look at its feasibility and concluded that the market for such companies was already saturated. Based on WPI’s analysis, the board subsequently reversed its decision and saved funds for more impactful investments.
For a complete history of projects in this category visit our Project Portfolio.
Market & Political Analysis
A developed international network coupled with several decades of market, crop/commodity and policy experience enable WPI to undertake both domestic and international market research and policy projects – and importantly, to provide practical recommendations for maximizing organizational interests and profit.
WPI does an excellent job of working to assess the client’s needs and tailoring their methodologies accordingly. WPI Customer, 2016
Recent Consulting Engagements
Market Identification
The executive management team of a U.S. export entity asked WPI to identify new global export markets for a mix of agricultural products. After careful analysis, WPI’s team recommended that promotional efforts be conducted in Colombia (among other markets). Promotional investment was committed and there was a subsequent increase in exports.
Market Reopening
On behalf of an industry client WPI identified Cuba as a potential market due to that country’s problems obtaining quality seed in time for holiday food sales. They are now intensifying their follow up in that market given the recent political opening between Washington and Havana.
Value Chain Analysis
A major technology provider engaged WPI to better understand the wheat value chain and the impacts of introducing a biotech variety. Among other reasons, the company delayed work on the variety due to WPI’s calculation at the time that complete identity preservation was not achievable.
Impact Analysis
On behalf of fiber optic cable manufacturers, WPI calculated the economic impact on rural America from broadband Internet access. The results undergirded a subsequent decision to underwrite the cost of rural broadband via the Universal Service Fund.
For a complete history of projects in this category visit our Project Portfolio.
Program Audit and Evaluation
WPI’s team works with producer organizations to evaluate domestic and global market programming, leading to increased efficiencies both on the administrative and programmatic side; we assist public and private organizations in developing systems to track, measure and report the outputs, outcomes and accomplishments of funded programming to management and stakeholders.
WPI has been responsive and cooperative under every challenge and circumstance presented in their work for us. WPI Customer, 2017
Recent Consulting Engagements
Understanding ROI
For organizations involved in agricultural marking and promotion, traditional ROI calculations may not be applicable to all programs. WPI’s team works with public and private organizations to develop systems to track, measure and report the outputs, outcomes and accomplishments of funded programming to management and stakeholders.
Finding Efficiencies
WPI’s team works with producer organizations to evaluate domestic and global market programming, leading to increased efficiencies both on the administrative and programmatic side.
For a complete history of projects in this category visit our Project Portfolio.