Strategic analysis, proposed strategic plan, and recommendations for Michigan public variety field seed and seed potato producers

The Michigan Crop Improvement Association commissioned the Agricultural Economics Department at Michigan State University to study a ten year decline in the: (1) number of public variety field seed and seed potato producers, (2) certified acres of publicly released seed, and (3) profitability of public variety seed production.;Competitive analysis was used to explain low profitability, while analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats revealed Michigan seed producers had few competitive advantages, many competitive disadvantages, and they faced a mix of opportunities and threats.;Four broad recommendations were generated as a result of the strategic planning process: (1) initiate educational programs at the producer and industry level, (2) reposition Michigan seed producers as involved marketers, (3) establish a common marketing association, and (4) encourage all seed producers to support the development and promotion of Michigan grown seed. Specific recommendations designed to carry out the broad recommendations were also developed.