''J2 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



The first was to individually build packing houses on their 

 own farms large enough to permit of fruit being stored and 

 packed, the second, to get together and build or buy a large 

 warehouse on the line of railway where the fruit of all could 

 be stored and packed by experts. 



The latter was the scheme that appeared most attractive anc> 

 these men formed the first Cooperative Fruit Company in Nova 

 Scotia. This company was called the Berwick Fruit Company 

 and was incorporated under the Nova Scotia Joint Stock Com- 

 panies Act, with an authorized capital of $io,cxx).oo. Ware- 

 house accommodation was secured and during the first season 

 some 7,000 barrels of apples were handled. The leaders of this 

 movement soon found that one of the most important factors, in 

 successful cooperative fruit packing was the production of good 

 fruit. The company, therefore, used its best influence to edu- 

 cate its members in the matter of careful cultivation, spraying, 

 etc. At the beginning of the next season, the membership was 

 doubled and a new warehouse was purchased. In 1908 the out- 

 put was 15,000 barrels and 1909, 22,000 barrels. 



In this way the cooperative movement went forward by 

 leaps and bounds. I will not follow it through all its varied 

 stages but simply say that in 191 2, what is known as the United 

 Fruit Companies of Nova Scotia Limited, was formed. This 

 company was incorporated with an authorized capital of $50,- 

 000.00, of which $42,000.00 was subscribed. Each subsidiary 

 company subscribed 20% of its authorized capital. The mem- 

 bership of this company is about 1,700. The aim of the United 

 Fruit Companies is to establish and maintain a uniform and 

 high standard pack. Great importance is attached to this matter 

 of good pack. 



The United Fruit Companies purchase their supplies, such 

 as fertilizer, seeds, flour and feed direct from the producer and 

 in this way the consumer gets his goods at first cost. Very 

 many more things might be said in reference to the cooperative 

 movement in the far famed Annapolis Valley. Some of these 

 may come to the surface if this short paper is discussed. 



