The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-09-08
STORING POTATOES
State Food Committee Considers
Conservation Of Crop

Conservation Of crop
Montpelier, Sept 6-The commit
tee on food production and conserva-
ton OF the Vermont committee of
public safety has carefully taken UNI
der consideration the problem Of con
serving the crops of the state Sew
eral meetings have been held in con
sultation with those most intimately
informed as TO Vermont conditions
The last meeting which was held in
Montpelier August 27th at the call of
his eXcellency, the governor, and
James HARNESS, chairman OF the
public safety committee and federal
food commissioner for Vermont, to
which was also invited commissioner
Brigham Director Bradlee and the
county agents, resulted in the follow
ing conclusions which the committee
submits to the citizens OF the state
/ Most Vermont crops can be ef
fectively stored and marketed through
the usual channels
?. BY the very general and highly
commendable activity on the part OF
the women OF the state In canning
and preserving garden products are
being well cared for
g. The pershable crops, particu.
larry potatoes are giving the greatest
concern. According to government
estimates. Vermont will produce four
million bushels Of potatoes this year
an amount considerably in excess Of
returns received by the committee
Several sections of the state report
blight, one county reporting fewer
potatoes than in 1916 as a result With
the needs of the people and the bene
fit of the producer in mind, this fact
urges great caution against wastage,
especially where there may seem TO
be a surplus. The reports from Aroo.
stock county, Maine. indicate q small.
er crop than anticipated.
T. TO guard against this loss, the
producer is urged to use every pre-
caution in the matter Of storage.
Available storage should be utilized
TO the fullest extent Where this is
not sufficient the old time potato pit
should be constructed
. The farmers are advised not 10
create a glutted or panicky market b.
hasty disposal of their potatoes.
one dollar per bushel is a fair price
for both producer and the consumer
and ii is the opinion of the committee
that this price can he maintained by
such precaution as is here advised
g. Consumers are urged TO lay in q
sufficient supply of potatoes for the
, entire season Every cellar should
have bins prepared with care to avoid
decay and attack Of yermm Pota.
toes will keep in best condition In
storage with temperature ranging
from 80 to 80 degrees of fahrenheit
T. Consumers are urged to make
larger use Of potatoes than at any
previous time There are many ways
in which potatoes may be served that
are both palatable and nutritious. The
committee viii send out pamphlet
of recipes and suggestions at q later
period The American people have
used about four bushels per capita.
tThls ought to be increased In the fu.
iture to six bushels. Whenever pos.
slble. each family should lay in sup.
ply on that basis
s, with respect to marketing pota.
toes for shipment out Of the state.
producers are advised that the coun.
~ agents receive daily quotations
concerning prices Of potatoes and that
the commissioner OF Agriculture will
furnish daily quotations through the
press of the state. The commissioner
has also investigated transportation
facilities and assures the farmers
that there is now no prospect of dill.