16 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



menaces which work to the disadvantage of the pubHc as well 

 as that of the honest producer and distributor. 



Business carried on by large competing units proves more 

 efficient as they move their wares at lower costs than innumer- 

 able independent small units, each of which does a business 

 too small to secure the advantages of buying in large quantities 

 and economical retail distribution. 



The consumer has given but little thought to marketing 

 problems and yet he is affected by them as much as the pro- 

 ducer. He cannot secure the benefits he desires until he 

 gives to these problems at least as much attention as the 

 producer is giving. 



The work of the Division of Markets is outlined by the 

 law which establishes the Department, and the limitations 

 imposed by inadequate appropriations have made it possible 

 to initiate during the past year only a few of the lines of work 

 required of us by the law. The following activities have been 

 undertaken : — 



1. Studies of (a) the sources of supply for JNIassachusetts 

 markets, (b) transportation, (c) quantities of supplies avail- 

 able, (d) total figures on Massachusetts production, (e) esti- 

 mated figures on Massachusetts consumption, (/) quantity of 

 food products in storage, (g) standardization, (h) city market- 

 ing, (i) roadside markets. 



2. Maintenance of (a) a marketing news service, (6) an 

 exchange service, (c) inspection and control work. 



3. The furnishing of information and educational material 

 on various phases of the work and on marketing in general. 



Market News Service. 

 The collection and dissemination of reliable information 

 relative to supply, demand, movement and prices of farm 

 products, designed to keep buyer and seller equally well in- 

 formed, is one of the most important services a division of 

 markets can render. One of the elements inherent to the 

 continued success of market reporting work lies in the promul- 

 gation of this information by an agency of unbiased interest, 

 and this qualification a State division of markets is unique in 

 being able to offer. 



