Valdez daily prospector., 1914-02-20
ANOTHER IDEA
 TO AID FARMERS
Finding an Outlet For Products Aim of New Organization.
EXPERTS FORMULATE PLANS

AsrieuIturists, Shippers, Commission | Merchants and Consumers Interested
 In Movement Which Is Sequel to Re-
 cent Conference In Philadelphia.
 Will Investigate the MiddIeman. Farm experts, transportation authori- ties and big shippers ill all sections of the United States are being consult ed by Charles B. Calwell and the members of his committee regarding the proposed Philadelphia farm bu- | reau which is about to be started The bureau idea is direct outgrowth of the agricultural conference and corn l exhibition which was held in Philadel- phia recently. It was part of a coun- try wide agitation to decrease the cost of living. render the farm more eff cient, provide sure outlet for the product of the agriculturist and bring about generally q closer relation be- tween him and the city dweller. All parties. farmers. shippers, con- mission merchants and consumers, were represented at the conference. and. although there was a considerable clamor for the total elimination of the middleman, the general opinion seem- ed to point to the conclusion that this individual was very necessary cog in the machine. The better plan. it was decided. was to have the bureau investigate him thoroughly and vouch for him to the farmer. so that the lat ter would have more confidence in him and would be reasonably sure that 1t is safe to forward perishable products to him.
 What an Expert Says.
 Among the experts who have been consulted concerning the formation of the bureau is Professor A. B. Ross of Bedford county. Pa. He has been suggested by MT. Calwell as director of the bureau. In a recent letter to MT. Calwell. Professor Ross discussed the functions of the farm bureau. His letter is in part as follows:
 The Philadelphia farm bureau should coordinate closely with outside shipping groups. It ought not to be asked to pay expenses properly chargeable against the product shipped Its purposes are an ad equate supply. measures to secure whole someness and palatability of food and such standardization. both in quality and grades as will make for stable markets.
 We face a condition, not a theory. The initiative must be with Philadelphia. She must offer the inducement to eliminate d. ,l.,%<, -t;o D,c ot the expense can be charged against the produce from the start There should be a marketing charge to help sustain the bureau The cost of inspection. where called for. should be borne by the offend ing party. whether producer consgnee.
 There are honest commission men and many dishonest commission men, and. what is equally bad. there are many care less and inefficient commission men. This condition results in uncertainty that today is largely responsible for waste and linn ited production. I speak from knowledge of the facts.
 Give Confidence to Farmers.
 Give the attraction of increased conf dence to the farmers and the production will increase with surprising promptness.
 The bureau should have one man to de- vote his whole time to the propaganda and collateral work of the truck and fruit in dustries, man capable of handling prob- lens of the proper carriers. systems of packing, caring for and handling produce. cold storage etc. Another man should de- vote himself entirely to marketing prob lems-that is, the finding of the markets for the stuff we grow and keeping in touch with the country districts so as to pre-. vent shortage and overplus of supply. glut in the market is just as much waste as if the stuff were allowed to rot on the farm.
 There should be an inspector in charge of complaints. The mayor ought to Rp- point him and the city pay him on the ground of conservation of health. but to- ward his support a charge ought to be made for inspection, collected from the complainant who has improperly com plained or the shipper who has overgrad- ed his stuff or shipped it carelessly.
 By far the greater part of the na- tion's food supply comes from small farms. Much of it is handled by hucksters. Much of it is shipped in such shape that waste is sure to Oc cur. Practically all of this could be saved. says Professor Ross. Many farmers are prepared to produce Eeav- fly of the coarser food supplies-pota- toes. cabbage turnips--and many farm CTS wives and children would be glad of the opportunity to realize the poten- tial profit from small areas of truck. fruit and fruit products. butter and eggs if certain outlet for such pro- duction at a reasonable price could be found.
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