The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1922-04-20
VI AIskETS
Abstract OF Address by &. N. White,
J Chief Department OF Market, De-
partment OF Agriculture nj L. OF VI.
Farmers Week

Farmers Week
We speak of L. S. Grade No. l po-
tatoes, Maine Fancy Baldwins and
New York A 1-2 Grayenstens. These
terms represent well known produce
values, hut these standards are not
universally. recognized, and what is
worse, are sometimes not respected
when recognized. Hence the continu-
al disputes between buyer and seller;
Che opportunity for respecting cars on
drafts in order to complete already
finished deals. : at.t.
The orchardists of Maine are con
frOnted with the task. of building
more profitable business for themselves
by creating a greater respect for the
Maine Apple Law. This law estab-
hshes fair produce value for var
ibus grades of apples. Respect for
Il by both seller and buyer means an
er-widening circle of satisfied GUS
toners for the seller. and commodity
OF little waste to the buyer; in short,
Thore profits to both.
TUp to November 26 last year more
than 800 carloads of apples had been
ahlpped from points in Maine. To
insure a full enforcement of the apple
grading law from a police standpoint
fhere must be several available in
spectors at all times during the sea-
soh to care for heavy shipments.
These men would travel more than
10000 mile each season visiting more
than 100 shipping stations from one
10 five or more times each. And
there is only $4,000 available for the
purpose. Less than 81 per car!
Let us endeavor to build a trade for
Maine apples on their merits, through
duality of production, judicious ad-
teftIsing, systematic distribution and
GOOD service.
r Nature has blessed Maine orchard
fists Care in growing picking, stor-
ing and grading their fruit will do
the rest.
IA well organized, intelligently dir
eoted effort to educate people to the
benefits and delights derived from
Batting Maine apples can best come
through the marketing organizations.
i'Even though the producer furnishes
high grade product and the public
ID well informed of its merits, If the
commodity Is not available in such
Quantities and at such seasons as the
people want 1t, the dealer will seek
regular sources of supply to keep his
customers, even though this may
mean the disposal of stock Of infer
TOR quality. No individual or small
group of individuals can supply the
trade with apples throughout the sea-
Hon, The Maine Fruit Growers Elk
change through its local branches and
Membership could easily have an or
derly marketing program by having
every grower report his prospective
yield of each variety.
s,skeeping the customer pleased
means careful attention to details. 1t
necessitatos getting the customers
ahk1e as well as the producers. 1T
Signifies grading up to the require
ltfefts of the Maine apple law.
1.-THE Maine Department of Af"icul-
ture Is prepared to help, the coming
SEASON, shippers who wish to gain a
MbAtable business by delivering APP
ribs that are exactly as represented.
fkWill be in the form of a shipping
pbfnt inspection at nominal cost, and
optional with the shipper. If he is
dealing with a skeptical customer he
cAn substantiate his own word with
the shipping point inspection state
rnent. This statement will paint a
verbal picture of the exact quality
and condition of the apples at time
OF shipment, and is prima facie evil
dehce in all courts of Maine. Or, il
aishipper is in doubt as to the grade
of his pack, the shipping point in
spection can be called for before the
apples are loaded and the grade de-
termined. 1t is far better to resort
apples at the point of origin. 1t
saves expense and keeps the custom
err pleased.