16 P.D. 123. 



Apple Grading. 



Eighty per cent of the apples packed in closed packages are graded and 

 branded according to the provisions of the Massachusetts Apple Grading Law. 

 Those who market and distribute apples have voiced their approval of the 

 improvement which has taken place in the grading and packing of apples in 

 the past years, during which the Apple Grading Law has been operative. Al- 

 though this improvement is recognized, especially with respect to certain packs, 

 an inquiry by the Division of Markets determined the fact that the grading 

 and packing of Massachusetts and other eastern apples is still in disrepute 

 among the majority of retailers. Although the quality of our eastern fruit 

 is the best that reaches our markets, the method by Avhich it is harvested, 

 graded and packed and marketed often handicaps its sale. 



Two groups of Massachusetts apple growers have undertaken to improve 

 their marketing methods and the reputation for Massachusetts packed apples 

 this past year. The Nashoba Apple Packing Association, Inc. and the Hampden 

 County Apple Growers Association have established central packing houses 

 where trained packing crews put up the apples under standard grades. In 

 each case the selling has been done by one established marketing agency. 



This method of packing has the very great advantage over individual pack- 

 ing when considered from the point of view of uniform standardization, in 

 that all the fruit is packed by a single well-trained packing crew. It is hoped 

 that the success of these organizations will stimulate the growth of similar 

 organizations throughout the state. The Division of Markets has assisted in 

 the development of this movement. 



Realizing that much is to be gained by first-hand knowledge of market con- 

 ditions, the marketing committee of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers Associa- 

 tion met in Boston last year together with market men for the purpose of 

 investigating and discussing the grading, packing and marketing of Massachu- 

 setts apples. After a trip through the markets, which included a visit to the 

 street, the auction, and the cold-storage houses, where Massachusetts packed 

 goods were seen in competition with other large producing sections of the coun- 

 try and methods of grading, packing and handling could be compared, an open 

 forum was held with the large apple dealers. 



As a result of this meeting the association has recommended an amendment 

 to the Apple Grading Law, which Avill require all packages of apples to be 

 packed in such a manner that the apples on the faced or exposed surface are 

 representative of all the other apples in the package with respect to size, color 

 and quality, and which will regulate the marking of open packages. The Divi- 

 sion of Markets approves this movement, which has as its object a better reputa- 

 tion for Massachusetts apples. 



The Department has recommended certain changes in the present law on 

 Apple Grading intended to make the meaning of this law more clear and to 

 facilitate the enforcement of it. 



Massachusetts apples ai'e being packed better than they were a few years 

 ago. According to distributors, one of the reasons for this improvement is 

 the law requiring standard branding. In its present form there is a require- 

 ment which states that nothing inconsistent with the markings required by 

 the law or more conspicuous than them shall accompany them. This provision 

 was apparently intended to prevent the nullification of the required markings 

 by other private marks on the end of the barrel or the side of the box. In- 

 vestigation has shown that although the trade preferred to deal in standard 

 grades, yet the private brand accompanying such a marking has considerable 

 commercial value. Therefore, it is believed that an attractive colored label, 

 not inconsistent with the wording of the law should be permitted. With this 

 idea in mind an amendment modifying the law has been submitted. 



There are advantages to be secured for the efficient administration of the 

 law by visiting packing-houses while apples are being packed and there render- 

 ing assistance and answering inquiries which will aid the growers and shippers 

 in their marketing. The Department has done considerable work in the pro- 



