SUMMARY 



1. The New Hampshire potato industry is not only declining but also is 

 facing increased competition from Maine. 



2. Wholesalers service the major portion of the more densely populated 

 areas and procure supplies on the basis of (1) regularity of supply through 

 the year, (2) large shipments, (3) quality ond grade guarantees, and 

 [4) lower price. 



3. Lower prices at the farm, reliable grading, and appearance are found 

 in Maine potatoes, the chief out-of-state source of supply. 



4. The smaller producers appear to be the least concerned about grade and 

 pack and their produce provides a large proportion of local potatoes 

 marketed at digging time. 



5. The higher support prices in New Hampshire and increased salesmanship 

 of Maine growers have resulted in (1) the withholding of New Hamp- 

 shire-produced potatoes from local markets and (2) increased competi- 

 tion from Maine producers on the larger New Hampshire markets. 



6 Because of increased competition for markets in the light of declining 

 consumption it is proposed that New Hampshire potato producers form 

 regional storage and marketing centers to obtain uniformity of grade 

 and pack, and regularity of supply, in order to re-establish declining 

 trade outlets. 



