PREFACE 



This is the first in a series of studies concerned with the struc- 

 ture of the market for fresh and processed apples in the United 

 States. The problem is approached initially at the national in- 

 dustry level and subsequently broken down to the various re- 

 gional aspects. 



The ultimate objective of this series of studies is to de- 

 velop a model that will predict equilibrium regional prices and 

 consumption rates for fresh apples in any given year, and to 

 determine least-cost patterns of interregional flows. Additional 

 objectives are concerned with predicting the impact of changes 

 in consumer income levels, prices of competing products, annu- 

 al apple production, and transportation costs upon regional 

 prices, consumption rates and movements of fresh apples. 



