As part of the strategic planning process initiated in July 2002, CIMMYT commissioned the Meridian Institute to conduct an extensive consultation with more than 170 stakeholders worldwide, representing national agricultural research services, CGIAR Centers, advanced research institutes, the private sector, donor agencies, and representatives of farmer groups. The interviews elicited highly divergent opinions and valuable insights into how others perceive CIMMYT and its future. Overall, the consultations revealed that CIMMYT's products and activities are greatly appreciated and serve an apparent need. There was concurrence that CIMMYT has a comparative advantage in many areas - human resources and networks, breeding expertise and germplasm collections, and research and training programs - and that it should increase its collaborative efforts and ensure greater access to its products. Most of all, the stakeholders believed that for CIMMYT to survive and continue its history as a highly successful organization, it should move beyond discussion of new strategies and take decisive action toward real change.