108 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 228 



grown in the small orchard will be poorer tlian that of the large orchard 

 because less care is given to growing, handling and marketing. Most of the 

 small growers do not have the time or equipment to produce and pack the 

 best grades of fruit. 



Conclusions 



Securing profitable markets for the probable increase in production is a 

 matter of the utmost importance. One possible outlet is the building up of 

 new markets outside of New England. Many dealers consider New York 

 City as a promising market for Mclntosli apples. This variety is coming into 

 favor and there is a growing demand for Massachusetts Mcintosh because of 

 the excellent flavor and color. A few growers are now selling in Philadelphia, 

 and further development of this market and others west and south is pos- 

 sible, especially for Mcintosh. 



A larger quantity of high grade home-grown apples, particularly Mcintosh, 

 is reducing the sale of Western apples on local markets. Doubtless this sup- 

 planting of Western apples can be carried still further. 



According to the Federal Census reports the number of bearing trees in 

 other New England states is declining, and while recent plantings have been 

 heavy, they have not been sufficient to offset the dying of old trees. This 

 decline will probably reduce outside competition on local markets to some 

 extent. 



Exporters report a growing demand for American apples of good grade in 

 foreign markets. This market should be carefully guarded from apples of 

 poor quality. Indeed, one method of improving the market generally is by 

 keeping low grade apples off the market entirely. Some growers find it more 

 profitable to make apples of B and lower grades into cider and other by- 

 products than to send them to market. More care in growing, grading and 

 packing fruit will mean profits instead of losses in the future. 



A strong organization of fruit growers for the marketing of Massachusetts 

 apples should be able to create or find more profitable markets for good 

 grades of apples. An association of this sort could advertise more success- 

 fully than any individual. Advertising offers possibilities in building prefer- 

 ences for Massachusetts fruit in local markets; and it is also possible that 

 through well-planned advertising people may be led to use more apples. 



Under present conditions, the careful grower will not plant more trees 

 until the market situation has been adjusted. Growing high grade fruit 

 will remain profitable, although it is possible that the increase in crop will 

 have some effect in lowering prices. Owners of small orchards are urged not 

 to increase their plantings unless they are prepared to give their trees the 

 same attention, and produce fruit of the same quality as that grown in the 

 larger orchards. 



The growing demand for Mcintosh indicates that there will be little demand 

 for other native varieties reaching the market at tlie same time. Prices of 

 winter varieties will also be affected by the longer storage of Mcintosh. 



A study of the apple market, including both domestic and foreign demand, 

 is now under way and will furnish definite information on the marketing 

 situation. 



