68 Bulletin 85 



the majority of farm operators in Maricopa County and so the associa- 

 tion constitutes a very substantial nucleus from which to operate. 



Investigation indicates that the participation of the Salt River 

 ^ alley Water Users' Association in the marketing problem is eminently 

 desirable from the point of view of the producer. The organization as 

 already in existence, is capably managed and directed, and is financed 

 more completely and thoroughly than any farmers' co-operative mar- 

 keting association could hope to be. It would be possible for the asso- 

 ciation to provide a division designed to offer to the farmers of the 

 Valley competent marketing advice. A marketing specialist might be 

 retained and his duties outlined substantially as follows: 



1. To advise with growers and growers' associations as to 

 markets. 



2. To negotiate for the sale of farm products on request of 

 growers. 



3. To investigate on request of growers any malpractices or dis- 

 honesty on the part of outside sales agencies with whom the grower? 

 may deal. 



4. To advise with growers as to the provisions of any contracts 

 which they may enter into with commission houses or other sales 

 agencies. 



5. To handle claims of growers against railroads for damage to 

 goods or loss in transit. 



6. To represent actively the combined growers of the Valley in 

 securing fair and equitable freight rates on Valley products. 



7. To assist actively in developing and establishing grades and 

 standards for Salt River Valley products. 



8. To publish a market review for distribution to producers, 

 summarizing all market information of value to local producers. 



It will be noted that the activities of such a division would cover 

 a very wide range, while at the same time no obligations would be 

 assumed by the growers except such as might be entered into tem- 

 porarily for the purpose of arranging sales through the general divi- 

 sion. The cost of such activities would be inconsiderable when benefits 

 are considered, and the financing of this work could be handled in the 

 same manner as is the financing of other special lines of work in con- 

 nection with the irrigation system. The simplicity of such a plan is 

 its strongest point and the fact that such an arrangement could be con- 



