Evening star., 1924-03-11
FRUIT MEN SEEK
BIGGER MARKETS
Southern Growers Take
Steps to Expand-Grape-
fruit in Cans Popular
BY j. C. ROYLE.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
NEW YORK, March 11.-ExpansioI
OF markets is the problem which now
is attracting the keen attention of
every fruit grower in the south, par
ticularly those of Florida. Produc-
tion has grown until the citrus fruit
growers are having difficulty in dis,
posing of their products at a salts
factory price. in spite of the improve
rnent this season in transportation
facilities.
There is no indication that produc-
tion in Florida will be curtailed. In
fact. it can be counted on to increase
steadily, growers say. The annual
automobile migration to Florida has
attracted thousands of agriculturists
from the middle west, who have de-
cided to devote themselves to the cul-
tivation of oranges and grapefruit on
small acreage rather than continue
farming aGs ON one large with its at
tendant expense.
Canaed Grapefruit Popular.
Perhaps the most striking develop
ment of the year in the expansion
of markets for citrus fruit has been
the success attendant on the canning
of grapefruit Three large companies
which is finding an eager market.
The fruit is peeled and the inner
skin between the divisions removed
with the seeds. The sections are
then packed in cans much after the
fashion of sliced pineapple. When
the can has been iced the fruit is
ready to be served.
Development of this new industry,
growers assert, will enable them to
withhold a very considerable portion
of their grapefruit crops when the
markets are flooded and will insure
further StabiliZation of prices through
out the year.
Better Marketing Needed.
Cooperative marketing associations
have not as yet gained the foothold
other sections and many growers
are advocating their widespread for
nation.
To a lesser degree a similar situa-
tion faces producers of other Florida
fruit and vegetables. 1t is a notable
fact, however, that southern produce
can now be obtained at retail in this
and other northern markets at ap-
proximately the same prices paid by
consumers in Florida.
Markets for all southern products
of this character have been mate
rally extended by the presence in the
south of northern commission men.
The latter, many of them. have seized
on the dull winter season in their
business to take vacations in the
south. They quickly saw opportuni-
ties to combine business with pleas
ure, and are buying and shipping con-
signments of fruit and vegetables to
their own customers in sections the
growers have never been able to
reach before. This business at the
start was largely speculative. but is
now developing into a distinct factor
in the movement of produce.
Advertising for Tourists.
The full recognition of the value of
tourist travel and tourist trade is by
no means confined to the south alone.
This is simply evidenced by the tre-
mendous advertising campaigns now
in preparation by state, municipal.
civic and commercial organizations
and by railroads This movement has
been furthered by remarkable road
development in nearly all sections of
1t may be conservativeIy estimated
that each automobile tourist party
leaves in each town in which it stops
s.5 day. This distribution, how
ever, is only a part of the benefit
from such travel. as business invest
ments of appreciable size frequently
The railroads are confident they will
handle more tourist traffic in 1924
than ever before, and are already
fighting for the business. This battle
Is not COnIlnSQ TO Ine american IOdQS
alone. The Canadian carriers also
are after American dollars.
Grand Trunks Plans.
The Grand Trunk system is already
preparing an advertising campaign to
attract tourists to every railway part
of its territory. This campaign,
which will be carried on largely in
American newspapers and magazines,
will be divided into sections. The
advantages and beauties of the Cana
dian northwest beyond Edmonton
will be outlined in publications of
certain sections, the opportunities for
home seeks in the prairie provinces
in others, and the attractions of Nova
Scotia in still others.
Organizations, such as Californians,
Inc. are preparing to spend sums up
to a half million or more this year
in attracting visitors. The south is
making strenuous efforts also to secure
farmers from the middle west to take
over the lands which negro migration
to the north has caused to be aban-
doned.
Texas is already experiencing the
benefit of such a campaign, for
families are focking to that state to
secure the farms into which many Of
the old millionaire cattle ranches are
being divided