Understand the numbers. It is important to try to estimate sales levels and costs and understand the factors that have the greatest impact on profitability. Look at the financial implications of changes in prices and costs of production and distribution. Do "what-if" scenarios to get a better idea of the risk involved in the project. Look at the extreme scenarios to see how robust the project is to variations in market conditions. Ensure that the costs of markeing have been looked at and that there is sufficient planning to ensure future marketing efforts.
Suggested Resources
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/iidea/
IDEA-Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in
Agriculture-was created by University of Illinois as a statewide initiative.
IDEA conducts research, develops educational products, and provides services
that encourage farmers to incorporate entrepreneurial strategies which direct
their marketing efforts to meeting consumer demand.
http://www.georgemorris.org/GMC/Home.aspx
As an independent think-tank, the Centre
provides industry decision makers with critical information and analysis on
issues affecting the Canadian agri-food sector.
http://susag.cas.psu.edu/default.html
A website to
server as a sustainable agriculture information center which highlights ongoing
activities in sustainable agriculture.
http://www.e-markets.com/
E-Markets offers a suite of Supply Chain
Management tools for the agrifood industry. Their applications eliminate
barriers between buyers and sellers, enable information sharing across the
agrifood value chain, and streamline back office processes resulting in
significant return for our customers
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome
USDA provides comprehensive market and trade data research
and reports. Users can utilize the numerous databases to search by product or
country. Forecasting is made possible with the in depth reports produced by
USDA. The Economic Research Service provides key indicators, outlook analysis
and a wealth of data on the U.S. food and agricultural system. Along with
information on farming practices, structure and performance.
http://www.agmrc.org/agmrc/default.html
The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center is an
electronic, national resource for producers interested in value-added
agriculture.
http://dtnag.com/dtnag/
Information on the markets, news
production, farm business and much more.
http://www.sustainablemarketing.com/
A unique website on sustainable marketing,
organic marketing, environmental marketing, and green marketingservices, information, and
education. This website is a unique
community of sustainable and green marketing entrepreneurs – making connections
to each other — and to customers.
www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/agecon.htm
Purdue Extension website.
Numerous articles available for market research on a wide array of topics.
www.agf.gov.bc.ca/busmgmt/
Excellent site for
business plan guides.
www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/ARMS/
Agriculture resource
management survey results from USDA.
www.agmrc.org/agmrc/
National information
resource for value-added agriculture, business development, research,
commodities and products.
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Recommendations 
