DIVISION OF MARKETS 



John J. Fitzgerald, Director 



The function of the Division of Markets is to create the best possible 

 climate for the state's agricultural products and to help with a variety of 

 programs aimed at insuring that these products do move through marketing 

 channel phases in an orderly manner. 



The marketing of farm products in Massachusetts involves cash receipts 

 to farmers of more than 300 million dollars and an agribusiness worth several 

 billion dollars annually. Food stores represent the largest retail business 

 in Massachusetts, with some 5714 food stores generating sales of over four 

 billion dollars. 



The Division role includes providing certain essential market information, 

 shipping point inspections, timely product promotion, consumer protection and 

 regulatory services. 



AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY PROMOTIONS - Guy L. Paris 



Funds from this account are allotted to commodity associations for 

 the purpose of promoting Massachusetts agricultural products. 



Rules and regulations specify that each commodity group receiving 

 promotional funds must submit affidavits of promotional program expenditures, 

 with comments regarding the usage of these funds eight months after 

 receipt of said funds. 



The Division of Markets was allotted $85,000 to disperse to commodity 

 groups. Many of these commodity groups raised money from their own 

 members to exceed four times the amount they received from the Department. 

 The original sum of $85,000 grew to $350,000 which was spent for the 

 promotion of Massachusetts agricultural products through various commodity 

 promotional programs. 



DIVISION PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES 



The objectives of Divisional promotional programs are to continue 

 and expand the use of the "Massachusetts Grown and Fresherl" trademark. 



Many of the consumers in the Commonwealth are aware of this logo 

 and are insisting that retailers offer Massachusetts grown produce bearing 

 the logo . 



One retailer tested consumer preference regarding film bagged 

 carrots; those marketed with the logo outsold the unmarked ones by five 

 to one. 



We are beginning to see more large food markets advertising 

 "Massachusetts Grown and Fresher!" in their newspaper ads, which include 

 flowers and eggs as well as fruits and vegetables. 



The Division provides retail outlets with "Massachusetts Grown and 

 Fresher!" printed material, assists in their promotional programs and 

 offers suggestions in their advertising. 



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