8 P.D. 123 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF MARKETS 



During 1931 the Division of Markets continued the program in assisting 

 the farmer to improve local products so that they would reach the consumer 

 in the freshest and most attractive manner. 



Definite surveys of markets were made to find out what consumers desired, 

 and inspections of farm products were conducted to see how closely they 

 conformed to such demand. 



At the same time the Division has continued its market reporting work 

 which has been carried on for a dozen years and today is not questioned. 

 Continually the Division is called upon to furnish information about food 

 supplies and consumption of different kinds of foods in our cities, and so 

 this year surveys have been made in several of our large industrial centers. 



The only great change in marketing legislation dealt with the revision of 

 the apple grading law. The change was toward a more voluntary use of 

 grades, but not enough time has elapsed as yet to draw too definite conclu- 

 sions about the effect of the new law. 



One entirely new service was offered this past year which affects not only 

 farmers but many consumers. This was the leasing of a sign by the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture to farmers' roadside markets that comply with certain 

 standards. 



Grades and Standardization 



In carrying out the projects outlined in the Massachusetts Farm Market- 

 ing Program regulatory work and educational work have been continued 

 during the past year. Farms, retail markets, and wholesale markets have 

 been visited at which inspections were made on produce carrying the state 

 label. Grading demonstrations have been held in various parts of the 

 state — talks and lectures have been given on various phases of the program- 

 exhibits have been displayed at many of the major fairs and some of the 

 minor fairs. Careful studies in marketing or grading have been made in 

 order to determine the proper standards to establish, and lastly, publicity 

 was given to the program for the benefit of the consumers as well as the 

 producers. Radio programs were broadcast and newspaper articles dis- 

 seminated. In brief, the program has been furthered more than in the 

 previous year. 



Inspection of Eggs 



Inspections of labeled eggs have been made at almost every farm in the 

 State where the official label is used. Likewise retail stores and wholesale 

 houses handling labeled products were visited as well. In all, approximately 

 300 inspections were made. The number of labels distributed during the 

 past year showed a 50 per cent increase over 1930. Approximately 75 per 

 cent of these labels went to men who used them before. 



Inspection of Asparagus 



Inspections of asparagus carrying the State label were made usually 

 at the receiving market late in the evening. Inspections were made at least 

 twice a week throughout the growing season and detailed records kept of 

 the findings. The greatest value that an inspection service gives is the 

 check up in the market of the grade and condition of the product. The 

 inspector checks these two items and makes comments upon the appearance 

 of the product. Very often he can show that slight improvements can be 

 made in packing or grading that will make the product far more attractive 

 to the buyers. 



Inspection of Strawberries 



Inspections of strawberries were made mostly at shipping point. Car 

 lots of berries were sent out daily throughout the season. All labeled berries 

 were inspected at the loading platform. 



This year at Falmouth instead of having the growers label their own 

 crates, the association attached the labels only after the berries had been 

 inspected. Field inspections were also made wherever necessary and 

 individual grading instructions given. 



