PUBLIC INFORMATION 

 Janet Christensen 



In the Bureau of Markets, many of the public information projects relate to 

 the current promotional program. 



For the State House conference March 8, a 20 minute slide presentation was 

 produced entitled "Massachusetts Grown and Fresher!" Copies are now available 

 for use by schools and various groups in both 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch videotape as 

 well as the original slide- tape format. 



The Bureau also produced a 30-second public service announcement for tele- 

 vision, promoting fresh fruits and vegetables during their peak season. 



During the summer months, the public information officer prepared weekly 

 news releases on the various crops coming into season. 



Throughout the year, she works with the various bureaus of the Department, 

 editing news releases on current topics of concern and interest and assisting on 

 any other brochures and/or informational pieces as requested. 



The public information officer has assisted in the development and work of 

 a statewide committee for "Agriculture in the Classroom." The major goal of 

 this program is to inform young people about the problems and accomplishments of 

 agriculture in their state and nation. At present a curriculum for grades 4 

 through 6 is in progress, and it is hoped that eventually educational materials 

 will be available for classes at all grade levels. 



Another long range project is a proposed regional farm TV series in colla- 

 boration with the small scale agricultural committee sponsored by the Conference 

 of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Provinces. Our Department has 

 participated in the early planning for this proposed series which would be of 

 benefit and Interest to a wide range of growers. 



The Public Information Officer serves on the Board of The Boston Food Bank 

 and The Federation of Farmers Markets. This year there were some 45 markets 

 across the state, and the Interest and support for this popular form of direct 

 marketing continues to grow. 



The Bureau of Markets also employs two Market Investigators who collect 

 current price, market and crop news and other statistics. This information is 

 in turn reported to producers, dealers, consumers and other Interested parties. 



A narrative report is prepared for press and radio and statistical reports 

 for newspapers and other publications and office files. Inquiries for infor- 

 mation on marketing of food and agricultural products are also answered. 



A milk flavoring Program of the Bureau provides an organoleptic evaluation 

 service for the milk Industry with objectives of preventing consumer dissatis- 

 faction with flavor quality of milk and milk products. 



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