Marketing Problem as a Whole 67 



each set of producers unless general costs of operation are increased 

 by the employment of skilled marketing assistance. 



While the arguments against the formation of a large number of 

 small organizations are difficult to overcome, it is at the same time 

 desirable that some action be taken looking toward the consolidation 

 of the output of certain commodities so that producers may benefit by 

 marketing in relatively larger quantities than they do at present. For 

 example, if the deciduous fruit growers in the Valley are to establish a 

 reasonably satisfactory market for themselves, it will be necessary for 

 their product to be assembled for market in larger quantities and that 

 it be carefully inspected prior to shipment. The small livestock pro- 

 ducer in order to benefit by prevailing market conditions must arrange 

 for co-operative shipping with his neighbors. Marketing conditions 

 among the potato growers in the past have been relatively unsatisfac- 

 tory, but no permanent remedial measures can be adopted by these 

 producers until their output is handled as a unit, so that systematic 

 marketing plans can be adopted. But even the elementary co-operative 

 action just indicated would need some stronger agency to advise and 

 direct a movement of producers. 



The rather sweeping statement already has been made that there 

 is at present in the Salt River \' alley no large and influential farmers' 

 co-operative organization. This statement had reference to organiza- 

 tions for marketing purposes. Co-operative action along another line, 

 iiowever, has met with considerable measure of success. The Salt 

 River Valley Water Users' Association is one of the most substantial 

 farmers' organizations in the United States. This association was 

 organized for the purpose of co-operating with the Government in 

 securing a permanent w^ater supply for the land in the Salt River Val- 

 ley through the provisions of the Reclamation Act. The association 

 has a present membership of about 3,500 and represents a total of 

 205,000 irrigated acres. It is a stock corporation regularly incorpor- 

 ated under the laws of the State of Arizona, with a capital stock of 

 $18,000,000. divided into 300,000 shares of the par value and denom- 

 ination of $60 each. The ownership of stock is confined to land own- 

 ers and the division of stock is proportionate to the acreage owned. 

 The association is permanent in nature, owns an office building in the 

 City of Phoenix, and is amply financed, the charter providing for the 

 maintenance of a treasury fund not exceeding $100,000, with which to 

 care for emergencies. The membership of this organization includes 



