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Q&A
by Ron O'Hanlon, President
Member, National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, CPCC-I Certified
Q. Is making a recommendation for a product the same as promoting or selling that product?
A. The characterization of independent agronomists or crop consultants is that they are not affiliated with a product retailer in promoting or selling products for use and would not benefit from the sale of a product as a source of revenue. This is mostly in relation to products that have the greatest effect on crop production, such as fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and other similar products.
However, an important part of the services to farmers and clients is the recommendation an independent agronomist makes regarding products to use, sometimes very specific products. Because the recommendation of a product may be in the best interest of the farmer or client – either due to efficacy, performance, and/or price – it is sometimes necessary that an agronomist recommend a specific product. But, in order to remain unbiased in the recommendation of that product, it is critical that the agronomist research the available information and know there are no other viable choices under the scenario. It would be a disservice to the farmer/client to recommend a product that the agronomist knows would not perform to the necessary level of satisfaction under the producer's management system.
It is critical to the success of independent agronomists that their recommendations remain as unbiased as possible and that the recommendation itself is not influenced by the sale of that product.
At Crop Quest, our experienced agronomists make unbiased recommendations with the client's best interests in mind. This is more than just company policy – it is the backbone of our customer service philosophy. We provide each client with the appropriate recommendation based on scientific research and the customer's management needs. This is just another way we strive to provide the highest level of service possible.
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