MARKET NEWS 



The Federal-State Market News Service publishes the daily "Boston 

 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Report", which has a circulation of 900 throughout 

 the U.S., Canada and other countries and the "Boston Ornamental Crop Report", 

 circulation of 300 in the U.S., Canada, Central and South America. 



Market News publications under State auspices include the daily "Springfield 

 Wholesale Market Report", the weekly "Special Apple Market Report" 

 outlining storage holdings and market movement, and the weekly "Food Buyers 

 Guide", listing retail price ranges of 150 fruit, vegetable, meat, poultry 

 and fish items. 



FOREIGN TRADE SECTION 



A substantial increase in the number of Massachusetts agribusiness 

 firms participating in the export programs of the Division of Markets 

 has occurred in this fiscal year. There are now 100 firms utilizing 

 the services and resources of the Foreign Trade Section. This is an 

 increase of 20 firms who are either "new-to-export" or are experienced 

 exporters utilizing our services for the first time. 



A major source of the additional firms has stemmed from the Trade 

 Section's strong support and active participation in the International 

 Seafood Exposition held in Newport, Rhode Island on May 19-20, 1980. 

 A total of 41 domestic fishing industry firms displayed their products 

 to 70 foreign buyers from 15 countries of Europe, South America, Africa 

 and the Far East. 



According to the National Marine Fisheries Service sources, this 

 international trade show of fish and fish products was perhaps the first 

 of its kind anywhere and was judged as excellent by both exhibitors and 

 buyers . 



DIRECT MARKETING ACTIVITIES 



Farmers markets in the Commonwealth are becoming second nature to 

 the consumers and to the farmers across the state. Cities and towns 

 are becoming more interested in them and seek guidance from the Department 

 in their establishment. The Cooperative Extension Service also provides 

 assistance and advice to farmers markets, which are now found at 48 

 locations across the state during the summer growing season. 

 Funds have been provided to Massachusetts Federation Farmers and Gardeners 

 Markets to assist them in promoting these markets. The Division encourages 

 farmers to sell at these outlets and also assists in publicity and 

 public information concerning the farmers markets. 



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