Annual Report - 5 - 



Because of the complexity in apple inspection work a Federal- 

 State sponsored training school is held annually for all New 

 England inspectors. This year Massachusetts was unable to partic- 

 ipate due to a lack of funds in our budget. The export apple in- 

 spection is of major importance, due primarily to the acceptance 

 and demand for the controlled atmosphere stored apples, our 

 Mcintosh variety and our quality packs. Mcintosh apples cannot 

 be successfully grown in European countries. The controlled atmos- 

 phere method of storing apples greatly lengthens the marketing 

 season and allows shipments of apples in good condition well into 

 June, making for a more orderly marketing picture for the entire 

 apple industry. 



This year, because of a better market in the United Kingdom 

 and a less restricted use of the containerization method of ship- 

 ment out of Boston, our apple export shipments showed an increase 

 over last year. 



However, our apples seem headed for increasing competition 

 in the export field as several European countries are now start- 

 ing to harvest fruits of larger plantings made over the past 

 decade. Apple Market competition on the United Kingdom market now 

 comes from Italy, always a large producer, and from France where 

 production has increased sixfold during the past 10 years. 



The devaluation of the pound and the Common Market situation 

 have imposed further economic obstacles. 



It is essential that foreign markets not only be maintained 

 but increased as our own domestic crops reach fulfillment in pro- 

 duction, otherwise domestic markets will be in jeopardy. 



