Regular voting membership in I.D.E.A. is open to farm-input retail businesses in which independent individual(s) have a controlling interest (a minimum 51%) in their business, including facilities and equipment.  This means the business is not controlled by a manufacturer, elevator line company or major supplier. All memberships must be approved by the board of directors. Members are protected by the I.D.E.A. Privacy Policy. 

Members expand their knowledge by:

• networking and exchanging information with their peers
• obtaining valuable industry updates in the weekly Green Markets

I.D.E.A. members are community focused, customer-driven and dedicated to providing excellence in service. I.D.E.A. members take pride in their businesses, often with continued operations and community ties well into the third generation. 

Membership in I.D.E.A. opens up a world of possibilities to the independent crop input supplier, such as: 

• a listing in the online member directory

• access to I.D.E.A. programs

• regional seminars and member conference calls on pertinent topics, such as handling credit, budgeting, etc., at no cost, or special member rates

• sharing of industry operating numbers

• the I.D.E.A. Industry Update, a regular email/fax update dealing with the latest industry happenings which also includes information from Green Markets  

• networking opportunities

• a membership decal promoting your business as an independent dealer

• access to a forum for discussing business ideas and issues

• communication with peers

• the ability to share ideas and learn from seasoned agricultural dealers

• an opportunity to participate in the "Rainmaker" program, a turnkey approach that helps retailers identify and capture opportunities with high-potential customers and prospects

Click here for a membership application.