-10- 



Your County Agent can supply you with the information as to price ana 

 where the "shell crackers" can be obtained, 



— -Wesley R. Jones 



I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 



FAITH IN THE WM ENGLAND APPLE 



On the last day of February, Mrs. Cole and I completed a seven and one 

 half month trip of 22,400 miles into market areas in 35 states. Conferences 

 were held at 20 state universities. More than 500 market people were inter- 

 viewed regarding current operations and trends in marketing. These people 

 included shippers, brokers, jobbers, wholesalers, processors, truckers, chain 

 and independent buyers, supermarket operators, market reporters, market 

 managers, association managers and secretaries, and state department of agri- 

 culture personnel. Producing areas and producers were visited. Over 150 

 supermarkets or grocery stores selling fruits and vegetables were visited and 

 purchases made in many of them. The trip was made during a Sabbatic leave 

 from the University of Massachusetts and co-sponsored by the Federal Reserve 

 Bank of Boston. 



The main object of the trip was to learn as much as possible about what 

 is happening in the fruit and vegetable business around the country and to 

 learn about the market prospects for the fruit and vegetable industry here in 

 Massachusetts including the feasibility of modern market facilities. 



Most people are convinced that their own area has many possibilities and 

 like it as a place to live and work. That is goodl Other areas have advantages 

 and all have disadvantages once you get well enough acquainted to see the whole 

 situation. In this regard Massachusetts is like the rest. 



Differences come to light in a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages 

 the strength and the handicaps that help or hinder a particular business. 



It is my conclusion, after the trip, that the balance of the advantages and 

 disadvantages in Massachusetts is decidedly in its favor as a place to grow and 

 sell apples. I will also repeat a comment that has been made in several meetings. 

 There has never been a time in this area that was any more favorable to the 

 planting of apple trees than at present. A comparison of our soil, climate, 

 market outlets, costs and competition points to the favorable business opportuni- 

 ties in fruit growing. 



All areas have weather and many have variations that are more serious than 

 ours. Nowhere is it possible to succeed with inefficient methods and careless 

 operation. Some areas have hurdles due to climate, or distance from market or 

 soil and seem to be almost insurmountable for all except those who carry a 

 generous supply of courage in their shirt pockets. Boom areas and easy profits 

 are practically nonexistent. 



