Bridgeton pioneer., 1914-01-08
ANOTHER idea
TO AID FARMERS
Finding an Outlet For Products
Aim Of New Organization.
EXPERTS FORMULATE PLANS
AerieuIturists, Shippers Commission
Merchants and Consumers interested
In Movement Which Is Sequel to Re-
cent Conferences In. Philadelphia.
Will Investigate the Middleman.

In Movement Which Is Sequel to Re-
cent Conferences In. PHILADELPHIA.
Will Investigate the Middleman.
Farm experts, transportation authori-
ties and big shippers in all sections
or the United States are being consult
ed by Charles E. 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
exhibition which was held in Philadel-
ph1a recently. 1t was part of eoun-
try wide agitation to decrease. the cost
OF living, render the farm, more efa-
cient, provide a sure outlet for the
product of the agriculturist and bring
about generally closer relation be
tween him and the city dweller
All parties, farmers, shippers COM
mission merchants and consumers.
were represented at the conference.
and, although there was considerable
clamor for the total elimination, of the
middleman, the general opinioz 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 voueh
Tor him to the farmer, So that the lat
ter would have more confidence I'm him
and would be reasonably sure that It
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 Mr.. Calwer1 as director
of the bureau. In a recent letter to
Mr., 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. 1t 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 theory. The
initiative must be with Philadelphia She
must offer the inducement to eliminate
waste and stimulate production. Part Of
the expense can be charged against the
produce from the start There should be
marketing charge to help sustain the
bureau. The cost Of inspection, where
called for, should be borne by the offend
ing party, whether producer or consignee.
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 lin
tied 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, a 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. A
| 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 ap-
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
| planned or the shipper who has overgrad-
| ed his stun or shipped it carelessiy.
By far the greater part of the ma
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 heav-
lily of the coarser food supplies-pota
| toes, cabbage, turnips-and many farm
ers' 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
0IID IkTCcT PhTrI EcuIp