14 P.D. 123 



For the second year two asparagus associations and one apple association 

 have used the New England label in addition to private brands. Inspection 

 of this crop has been done mainly in the Faneuil Hall Market before it left 

 the commission merchant. 



Adequate inspection on the use of the New England Label is imperative 

 if the movement is to be successful. At present, this inspection is being 

 carried on by the regular force of the Division with little cost to producer, 

 but if the movement continues to grow, the increasing cost of inspection 

 must be borne more directly by the producer. 



Wholesale Market Reports 

 The wholesale market news service has continued to demonstrate its 

 value as a very important link in the chain of distribution of Massachusetts 

 farm products. During the past year daily services have been operative as 

 heretofore covering the Boston, Worcester and Springfield markets. Reports 

 issued by representatives stationed at these markets cover prices on all 

 locally grown fruits and vegetables; prices on competitive products from 

 outside the State; and general comment on supply and demand. 



Special Apple Report 



The Special Apple Market Report has been issued during the important 

 part of the apple marketing season — from August through April. While 

 designed as a weekly service, this has been supplemented by twice-weekly 

 reports during periods of heavy market activity. This service covers 

 Boston, Worcester, and Springfield, and several markets outside the State 

 which are important outlets for Massachusetts apples. A special effort is 

 being made to supplement the wholesale city market reports with informa- 

 tion on farm prices and demand at shipping points during the packing 

 season. 



Retail Reports 



The Boston Retail Price Report has been issued weekly throughout the 

 year. The increasing volume of eggs graded as Massachusetts Specials 

 has created a demand for quotations on this grade. Such quotations, ob- 

 tained from producers in towns near Boston, are now a regular part of the 

 retail report. The Worcester and Springfield retail reports have been issued 

 in accordance with the regular schedule of previous years. 



Besides the general use of the retail report by schools, boarding houses 

 and housewives, other specific uses have been reported. Retail stores in 

 outlying towns use the Boston report to see how their prices compare with 

 those in Boston and newspapers quote directly from this report in making 

 up their food columns. The WBZ radio station states that the Boston retail 

 report is one of their most important features, being of service to their entire 

 audience, which consists of both producers and consumers. 



Radio Market Reports 



This Division has increased its activity in the field of radio broadcasting 

 of market news during the past year. In addition to the regular broadcast- 

 ing of the Boston and Worcester daily wholesale reports and Boston Retail 

 Report, the Special Apple Market Report has been put on the air and the 

 Springfield weekly market letter has been broadcast regularly. The Division 

 has also maintained very satisfactory co-operative relations with the New 

 England Radio Market News Service conducted by the United States De- 

 partment of Agriculture, with the co-operation and financial assistance of 

 several New England states, including Massachusetts. Through the 

 medium of this service radio facilities are available for special material of 

 educational value to both producer and consumer. 



Apple Inspection 

 The apple inspection service has been conducted throughout most of the 

 apple season. The modest allowance of funds available for this service has 



