APPROVED FARM STAND MEETING 



The summer meeting of the program members was held on August 15th at the 

 Waseeka Farm in Ashland, at which time there was a free exchange of ideas and 

 discussion of selling at farm stands. To some program participants the 

 meetings, inspections and price reports are the principal benefits of the 

 program rather than the Approved Farm Stand Sign. 



A brief review of United States Grades of Apples was made to clarify some 

 points in question. It was emphasized that "Drops" (an apple that shows evidence 

 of having been on the ground) is not an official grade classification. Drops 

 should be sold unclassified or as Drops (Unclassified) for the benefit of the 

 customer. 



A drop could be placed in one of the numerous grade classifications If it 

 shows no evidence of having been on the ground and meets the grade requirement. 

 However, drop Mcintosh without bruises are rare. 



There appears to be some misunderstanding concerning the requirements of 

 the Utility grade. Utility is a good grade of apples and not a home for culls. 

 The Apple Sorters Manual which can be obtained from your County Agent specifies 

 grade requirements. 



The availability of only plastic cartons in the future is of major concern 

 to the participants of the Approved Farm Program. The problem with plastic 

 cartons for cider Is that of sealing. Many operators have found only stapling 

 the wax containers was unsatisfactory and used a sealing device. At present, 

 no economical sealing device is available for plastic cartons. It seemed to 

 those present at the meeting that a top fold or other device for closing could 

 and should be developed for plastic cartons. At present the plastic carton is 

 considered to be unusable. 



It appeared to be the opinion of the group that careful consideration should 

 be given to Including " All apples must be clean " as a future regulation of the 

 Approved Farm Stand Program. The term'hlean" to mean free from apparent residue 

 or dirt . 



During the discussion of special displays and decorations It was emphasized 

 that all displays and decorations should be built to promote apples. There are 

 only a few items that you can sell at the orchard roadside stand without taking 

 something away from the principal product - apples . 



William J. Lord 



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



POMOLOGICAL PARAGRAPH 



Know the Condition of Fruit in Storage 



The use of picker's tapes, chalk or other devices to mark stored boxes of 

 fruit is worthwhile. Jordan H. Levin, Head, Fruit and Vegetable Harvesting 



