Annual Report -2- 



The latest monthly crop estimates of apples, potatoes, onions 

 and cranberries as received by teletype by the U.S.D.A. are prepared 

 and mailed to interested parties. 



The Division of Markets is responsible for the release of all 

 publicity through radio, television, press releases and meetings, 

 including special promotional functions, tours of markets and agri- 

 cultural growing areas to help a better movement of locally-grown 

 fruits, vegetables and flowers. 



Detailing our many marketing services, of major importance 

 is our Federal-State Inspection Service. For 50 continuous years 

 all state agriculture departments in the nation have cooperated 

 with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide shipping point 

 fruit and vegetable inspections for their own state's farm products, 



Massachusetts has been one of the leaders in providing this 

 service for financially interested parties, which has proved bene- 

 ficial in creating better marketing conditions and final products 

 to growers, packers, distributors, receivers and consumers. 



During World War 1 , as markets increased in size and distance 

 from growing areas, it was realized that some common bond of under- 

 standing as to the quality of a particular fresh product was nec- 

 essary between buyer and seller in order to effectively maintain 

 good marketing conditions. 



At that time U.S. Grades or Standards were created for the 

 first commodity - potatoes. This grade was merely a standard of 

 measurement to accurately tell the quality and condition of the 

 shipment of potatoes. 



Since that early time hundreds of different grades for all 

 fresh commodities are now in existence. 



