P.D. 123 9 



Apple Advertising 



As an aid to fruit powers in the movement of burdensome supplies of ap- 

 ples resulting from the 1935 crop, this division has carried on an advertising 

 campaign, featured by displays in railroad stations and other public places. A 

 highlight of this advertising pi-ogram was an "Apple Jamboree" at the North 

 Station. A booth was set up in the main concourse of the station, featuring a 

 large revolving apple, three feet in diameter. The apple queen of the preceed- 

 ing season's festival was in attendance daily and at specified hours, when she 

 and her attendants distributed apples to the public. Gratifying results in the 

 way of increased sales were reported by dealers and growers following this 

 advertising campaign. 



Standardization and Grading 



Fresh Egg Law. — The department continued to carry out its program of 

 enforcement in connection with this law, which was passed by the legislature 

 the later part of 1935. Approximately 7,500 inspections were made, mainly 

 in retail stores. A few inspections were made at th« farms where fresh eggs 

 were sold, and a few were made at warehouses supplying retail stores. The 

 percentage of violations for the year amounted to about 10%. Many hearings 

 were held following violations, at which the violator was given an opportunity 

 to explain why he should not be taken into court. The department continued 

 its policy of educating retailers of eggs by trying to determine the reason for 

 the violation. As a result of this policy, much improvement was noted in the 

 method of handling of eggs. The ultimate goal, of course, was more consumer 

 satisfaction. Many conferences were also held with producers and dealers, at 

 which various problems relating to marketing of eggs were discussed. In 

 furtherence of this educational progrram, the department was invited to put on 

 demonstrations of candling and grading before producer groups. Meetings of 

 this type were held practically all over the state. Likewise many exhibits 

 were set up at fairs, such as Brockton Fair, Eastern States Exposition, Tops- 

 field Fair, and a few others. The department was also called upon to act as 

 judge at egg shows held in Athol, Greenfield, Middlefield, and Boston. Many 

 radio talks were given for the benefit of the consumer, advising what the law 

 stands for and what the consumer should expect when purchasing fresh eggs. 



The Massachusetts Federation o^ Poultry Associations sponsored an egg siz- 

 ing bill. Previous to drawing up this bill many meetings were held througih- 

 out the state at which the department acted in an advisory capacity. 



Farm Products Grading Law 



Work in connection wit this law was continued by making inspections at the 

 farms where the official state quality farm products label was being used. In- 

 spectors had an opportunity to look over the equipment which was used, as 

 well as the product itself. Suggestions were made, whenever necessary for 

 improvement. Many inspections were also made at the Brockton Cooperative 

 Egg Auction Asso. and the Springfield Auction. Inspections such as these 

 were most economical, since these associations are the central distribution 

 point for hundreds of producers. Conferences were also held with these or- 

 ganizations in order to bring about the desired improvements. 



Advertising and Promotional Work 



One of the functions of the department is to help promote the agricailturaJ 

 industry of Massachusetts. It has an opportunity of assisting producers of 

 agricultural products. For example, at fairs in the state the department co- 

 operates with producers in displaying the finest of their products, in order to 

 acquaint the consuming public with the fine quality products that are grown 

 in the commonwealth. This type of promotional work is also done in the form 

 of radio talks. Assistance has also been griven to some farmer organizations 



