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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why hire a consultant specializing in the food and fiber sector? We find that often a client is looking at a new crop, technology or market and needs and seeks expertise not available within the organization. Many of our clients have lean management organizations, with minimal staff, and need additional staff to evaluate and plan a new business activity. Banks and investors are often looking for third party evaluations by experienced consultants. 2.What are the range of services provided by Agland? Agland provides a wide range of services. Often a project involves preparing a feasibility study or business plan for the specified project or evaluating a new market opportunity. Some projects involve preparing a strategic plan for a firm. Other projects, particularly international long-term projects internationally, have a goal of transferring management and technical skills. Many countries look to California as a source of new technology, varieties, labor saving systems, and food processing technology. Agland's location in California is ideal for such projects. Often Agland is called upon by large urban planning or engineering firms to provide specialized agriculture and rural development expertise to a broad development project. 3.Does Agland have experience with environmental issues related to agriculture and rural lands? Agland has had a number of projects in this category, both related to land and water issues. We expect there will be additional projects in this category.
4.Does Agland invest in projects? Agland has experience in obtaining both debt and equity money for projects, particularly projects in which Agland has prepared the basic plans. Agland has also taken equity positions in new companies and projects, such as Flynn Rainbow Nursery, Agland Energy Services, Algal Polymer Technology, and has also been a member of the Board of Directors. 5.What is the usual fee structure? This is always an important question. Our basic philosophy is that the client needs to be satisfied with the services provided. Consulting fees vary according to consultant's experience and length of project. In long-term projects (over a year) fees are generally lower than in short-term projects. In general, fees range from $50 to $150 per hour plus direct expenses, and the specific assignment and fee structure is spelled out in a contract. Some contracts are based on an initial cash fee for conducting research coupled with a performance fee. 6.Does Agland conduct third party, due diligence evaluations of investment opportunities? Yes, Agland has been called upon by the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, Inter-American Investment Bank and a variety of investors to conduct independent evaluations. 7.Does Agland provide expert witnesses? Yes, Agland has been called upon by law firms to conduct specific research in the food and fiber sector, and to testify in legal proceedings when required. 8.How does Agland's international experience help U.S. firms? Over the past 7-8 years, particularly with the advent of easy communications by telephone and through the Internet, we have seen the global food market become a reality. A wide range of commodities, perishable fruits and vegetables, and processed foods are produced and move freely from country to country. Agland has worked in most of the major food producing countries of the world, and it is in a good position to help identify the low cost producer(s) and the most attractive market (s). 9.Does Agland manage farms? Not directly. Agland is in a position to find expert farm managers and also has projects supervising farm managers. Farm management is very regional and crop specific, and it is important to have the correct skills in the farm manager. 10.Do you know the cost to produce crops? Yes, we have a good idea and know how to obtain information on the cost to produce and how to grow a range of crops, particularly crops produced in California. 11.How can you cover such a wide range of crops and countries? We have a large number of associates who we call upon to supplement our staff. I think it is fair to say that we can find an expert in most commercial crops and consultants who have worked in most countries of the World. 12.Is Agland interested in working with other firms or consultants? Yes, we often work with others as a partner or sub-contractor. We also help other individuals or firms structure a proposal focused on new work or a request by a client. |
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