Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-04-21
TRUCKING ACREAGE
NOT TO Be REDUCED
D. C. Farmers Relieve Fear Of
Food Shortage for
Summer.
TAKE CHANCE ON LABOR

Danger of food shortage in Wash
ington this summer through the plant
ing of decreased acreage by truckers,
is believed to have passed. The pa
triotism of the growers has been APP
pealed to and for the most part they
last year and take a chance on getting
the necessary labor to harvest the
crops. This developed at the fourth of
series of farmers meetings. held in
the District building yesterday after
noon. under the auspices of the gar
dens committee of the District Council
of Defense. Edward F. Colladay, chair
man of the committee, presided
Several weeks ago. when the first
meeting was held. it was the unani-
nous verdict of the planters that the
acreage to be titled this year would be
reduced at least one-third, on account
| of the shortage of labor. Plans were
discussed for utilization of unskilled
labor. principally that of school boys
and women. The growers took the sug-
gestions under Amusement and returned
week later for another conference.
| They hadn't changed their minds about
| how much planting they would be able
to do. but they expressed willingness
to try some of the unskilled labor.
Not to Reduce Cultivation.
At the third conference, three Satur-
days ago. this willingness expanded con-
siderably. and yesterday large number
of farmers went to the District building
to say that they are going to cultivate
as much ground as last season, trusting
to the committee and other agencies to
help them solve the harvesting problem
later.
With the prospect. several weeks ago.
OF at least 100000 more people to be fed
here this summer and only two-thirds
as much acreage to provide the food
Washington is said to have been in dan
ger of a food shortage. the seriousness
Of which was not generally recognized.
This was impressed upon the farmers
and their response has been such as to
convince the committee that the danger
has been passed.
To Concentrate on War Gardens.
Chairman Colladay stated last night
that the committee feels 1t can now de-
vote most of its attention to making a
success of war gardens in the city and
suburban sections of the District. Indi-
cations are that the home gardens, back
yards and lots will produce three times
as much food as last summer, he said
Women are going to play no minor
part as farmers in the District and sur
rounding territory this summer That
was settled at yesterdays meeting
when arrangements practically were
completed for the organization of the
first unit of woman workers. This unit,
consisting of about twenty-five mem
bers. will go to the Silesia district in
Maryland to assist farmers during the
berry picking season. Other units are
expected to be called for at an early
date.
Agreed as to Labor.
Not only did the farmers agree to
make use of labor to be furnished by
the Woman Land Army of America,
but they also decided at yesterdays
meeting to utilize the employment
service of the Department Of Labor.
Many Of them registered with the serv-
ice the number of employees they want
and the price they are willing to pay
Chairman Colladay' stated that all