I03 



and the saving to the growers by the association was not less 

 than $200,000. The association has laid by a cash profit 

 which has been used to build and improve roads. Before it 

 began this work 250 baskets of peaches were considered a 

 load; now 500-600 are easily drawn. The combined influ- 

 ence of the growers led the railroads to give 300 carloads 

 of gravel. Whereas, a single individual has great trouble 

 in getting the ear of the railroad official, the representatives 

 of an organization of 400 shippers received a most respect- 

 ful and gracious hearing. Buyers come to Fennville to buy, 

 and competition for association fruit has been such that 

 prices have generally been kept higher than the Chicago 

 market. 



The plan for organization is the common one and sim- 

 ple. Each member must hold at least one share at a certain 

 fixed price. The entire cost of handling is paid by a fixed 

 charge per box. No seconds, or poor varieties are packed. 

 And the association guarantees every box under its label. 



Associations are uniformly able to make better sales 

 than individuals having small amounts of fruit, because of 

 the quantity of graded fruit they have, and because of a 

 better knowledge of the market. 



My own observation and study lead me to believe that 

 the following advantages have been obtained, and may be 

 obtained in very many more cases, by persons associating 

 themselves cooperatively in the handling and marketing of 

 fruit. 



A higher class of fruit in its respective grade than the 

 average individual would pack from his own fruit. 



Style and uniformity of the package and grade have 

 been greatly improved, securing the confidence of the buy- 

 er ; the buyer may also secure a larger quantity of a uniform 

 brand. 



Shipment in large quantities, at least car lots, has ob- 

 tained better transportation rates and facilities. Associa- 

 tions of growers are in a position to demand a fair deal from 

 the railroads. 



System has been introduced into marketing, losses have 

 been reduced, and a more complete and efficient knowledge 

 of markets secured. 



Growers are enabled and encouraged to produce a bet- 

 ter product because they can give their whole attention to 



