No. 123.] DIVISION OF MARKETS. 51 



It may be well to keep in mind while considering this sub- 

 ject, that it is advisable to have State standard grades con- 

 form to United States grades as closely as possible, for our 

 present interstate exchange of commodities is so widespread 

 that national standards seem to be essential to the full realiza- 

 tion of the benefits of a grading system. 



The question, then, presents itself as to how the advantages 

 of a grading system may be obtained without interfering with 

 one's present rights and privileges, and the following is sub- 

 mitted, not as an answer, but rather as a suggestion of a basis 

 upon which this problem may be worked out. 



The promulgation by those persons primarily interested of 

 standard grades which may be revised from time to time as 

 required, the recognition of one's right to use the grades or 

 not as he may choose, the establishment of an inspection serv- 

 ice to insure the maximum value and most beneficial results 

 of grading and the requirement of strict observance of the 

 grading specifications when used, seem to be principles upon 

 which such a system may be devised. A possible means of ef- 

 fecting enforcement is the revocation of the right to use the grad- 

 ing system when it is proven that the offender has not observed 

 its specifications. Another method is that of rendering vio- 

 lations of grade specifications subject to penalties. It is uni- 

 versally recognized that without strict observation of grading 

 specifications a grading system is without value. This pro- 

 gram in brief puts the value of grading fairly up to the farmer. 

 If he chooses to take advantage of its benefits he may adopt 

 the grading system, assuming at the same time the obligation 

 to his fellow farmers of observing its provisions. If, on the 

 other hand, he does not desire to grade, he may sell without 

 observing any grade requirements. 



The processes of marketing are attracting the attention of 

 our farmers. There is prevalent a realization that this side of 

 agriculture has been unduly neglected in an effort toward greater 

 production. Among the marketing functions of assembling, 

 grading, transporting, storing and selling, the operation of grad- 

 ing seems to be commanding the greatest interest. Producers 

 are beginning to realize its advantages to themselves and to 

 their industrv. 



