AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS IN BELGIUM. 21 



cost. The syndicates have considerable influence on agriculture. They 

 have lowered the price of fertilizers and, consequently, larger quantities 

 have been used. Few syndicates have so far been organized for the 

 sale of agricultural products. 



The organization for the sale of seeds at Borsbeke has already been 

 mentioned. At Verviers there is a similar enterprise for the sale of 

 butter. Cooperative dairies (not under State control) are numerous. 

 That of Oosteamp is the most important in the country. It handles 

 ll», 000 liters of milk daily and is unusually well equipped. It is the 

 only dairy in the country with a refrigerating apparatus, and is 

 patronized by over 300 farmers within a radius of 10 kilometers (0 

 miles). The dairy of Beernein is nearly equal to that of Oosteamp. It 

 handles about 14,000 liters of milk daily and is operated with great 

 satisfaction to the patrons. The latter have increased their herds and 

 improved their methods of feeding. Yet, strange as it may seem, the 

 introduction of cooperative dairies was opposed by the people. 



A cooperative sugar factory was established two years ago at Anvaing, 

 in Ilainaut. The patrons of the institution are the shareholders. At 

 Micheroux, in Liege, there is a cooperative milling association, and 

 there is also one connected with the dairy at Oosteamp. A bill has 

 recently been passed which permits the establishment of cooperative 

 distilleries. These will furnish a market for the crops and the by- 

 products may be utilized for cattle feeding. 



The Belgian agricultural associations which have been described 

 have benefited the farmer wherever they have been established. Some 

 difficulties are encountered, but by perseverance and zeal on the part 

 of the promoters these may be overcome and success attained. Each 

 association is a school of instruction and in a short time becomes self- 

 sustaining. Through the united efforts of these associations, the Bel- 

 gian farmers have been assisted through the agricultural crisis, and 

 they may confidently hope for a much better condition in the future. 



