REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 33 



should be borne in mind also that the proposals are in no sense ex- 

 perimental. Their feasibility and practical value have been fully 

 demonstrated. 



MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION. 



In the field of distribution, as well as in the field of production, the 

 farmers of the Nation must assume the main tasks of improvement. 

 The Government should furnish all possible aid in the way of in- 

 formation and suggestion, create favorable conditions under vrhich 

 production and distribution may take place, and especially see that 

 the channels of trade are open and that abuses do not exist. 



The present time is especially fruitful of proposals of a large and 

 novel nature designed quickly to solve marketing problems. Recently 

 measures have been introduced into the Congress proposing a private 

 or a governmental agency of national range, Avith State and county 

 subdivisions, to supervise, or even to direct, the handling or market- 

 ing of the Nation's farm products. The probability is that an un- 

 dertaking of such character -would break down of its own weight. 

 There is no question that everything which can legitimately be done 

 to eliminate waste in marketing and to promote orderly distribution 

 should be done. But the views of the most experienced students of 

 the matter seem to be that we must approach the problem in simpler 

 terms, work along lines which have clearlj^ proven to be feasible, and 

 promote existing tendencies and practices. 



Certainly, we can proceed further, by State, Federal, and indi- 

 vidual action, in standardizing the production, the handling, and 

 the packing of farm products, and in promoting the use of standard 

 containers and proper storage on farms, in transit, and at market 

 centers. We can continue to furnish assistance in the preparation 

 and installation of accounting systems, and more extensively and 

 accurately gather and furnish to the farmers of the Nation all per- 

 tinent statistical information. I need scarcely emphasize the para- 

 mount importance of making available dailj^ to producers facts as to 

 market prices, supplies, and demands. The market news services of 

 the Department of Agriculture have already clearly proved their 

 value. The department now conducts and operates an inspection 

 s(>rvice on fruits and vegetables covering 1G4 markets. It publishes 

 reports on the supply, commercial movement, and prices of most of 

 t1 e important products and, in cooperation with 14 States, is issuing 



