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only be acquired when the product of all of the members is 

 handled under uniform conditions. The standardization of a 

 product can result only from standardizing its handling, grading, 

 and packing. 



3. A uniform product can be established by having the product 

 of the individual members handled by the members, under the 

 supervision of the association, or for the members by the associa- 

 tion. The former method is employed successfully in some deci 

 duous fruit associations ; the latter is the usual method in the 

 citrus fruit associations. The conditions which lead to either 

 method are local as well as those of the industry in question. In 

 the citrus industry the crop is harvested over a long period of 

 time and is comparatively non-perishable. It is possible there- 

 fore to systematize the methods of handling, to assemble the 

 product in a central packing house, and to grade and pack it 

 under standard rules. Without this standardization of handling, 

 grading and packing, no cooperative association can acquire an 

 asset in the reputation of its brands. With standardization it can 

 acquire a reputation which makes its output sought after and for 

 which the trade will pay a premium. A practical difficulty in 

 handling a cooperative association lies in the fact that every mem- 

 ber thinks that he produces a product that is the equal or superior 

 to that of every other member. The handling of this condition 

 is one that tests the tact of the most successful manager. It is a 

 practical condition, however, and not a theory, and must be met 

 with firmness, with justice and with patience by every coopera- 

 tive association. 



