PEI principals and independent education/training consultants have been heavily engaged with agribusiness firms and their employees in a wide range of ethics issues. Topics of discussion range from employee conduct tothe company's daily operations. Because PEI has representatives who come from an agricultural background, they are able to talk the languageof the executives, managers, supervisors and rank and file employees. From hoof to stalk to product in the soil and product above the ground we understand what goes into production operations and what results from processing operations. We can stand with our agribusiness clients and identify with themas they work in perhaps the most difficult of economic environments at the present time. Bringing products to market has not always been profitable in recent years and getting a reasonable return on investment has been hard. PEI is often asked "How on earth can ethics education and training help?" Our answer is, "When people face hard times and they are looking for solutions to problems, sometimes the choices they make may not be the best ones. While employee intentions may be good, the methods used to get the desired results may not."

Background
PEI has traveled to over 30 states and into Canada over the past five years bringing the abovemessage to our agribusiness clients. We have heard stories of difficulty and of considerable challenge; we have wrestled with agribusiness employees about "what ifs" and "rubber meeting the road" issues. We'veheard, "Something's got to give if we're going to survive out here. This marketplace is brutal!"The one thing that can not be allowed to "give", of course, is long-established commitment to ethical practice.These are sobering discussions but we offer hope when there is little on the horizon. And, we get real. And we get very practical. Employees from the newest in the organization to the most senior can relate to the issues we address. Do we add anything to their bottom line? We think so. Do we add to their community spirit and the quality of their relations in their work environments? Yes...for that's the feedback we get.

Looking outward, we know agribusiness customer relations usually focus on issues of product quality, quantity, pricing or timely delivery. These are core concerns to most agribusiness ventures. And it is around these issues that truth telling, promise keeping, fairness and respect for property become very practical. PEI's seasoned veterans can help with these specific issues if they are problematic for your firm.

Customized education and training about these matters can be brought to your place of business by contacting us directly or email us.