15 



sells at retail in Chicago or New York at from 35 to 40 cents a can, 

 according to the class of store. These costs give the following: 



In other words, it costs as much to market in Chicago or New York as 

 it does to grow, can, and move the asparagus from California to the 

 market. 



Recommendations. Under the act creating the State Commission 

 Market, it is made a part of the duty of the Market Director to make 

 such "suggestions and recommendations as may be deemed of value to 

 the people of the State." In compliance therewith the following recom- 

 mendations are made : 



In connection with the marketing of the asparagus crop, it is evident 

 that the growers are failing to receive commensurate compensation ; that 

 there are improved methods which would bring about increased returns 

 and, if not reducing the price to the consumer, would at least result in 

 no increase in cost and at the same time facilitate delivery ; that there is 

 an opportunity for material increase in the consumption of asparagus, 

 which must of necessity result to the advantage of the grower. 



The remedies for present troubles will largely be overcome by co- 

 operation on the part of the growers, standardization of the asparagus 

 shipments and the establishment at San Francisco, Los Angeles and 

 Sacramento of a general market at which receipts can be handled. 



First, as to Co-operation. According to the Scientific American, there 

 are now in existence some 14,700 co-operative organizations in the United 

 States. The asparagus industry, like nearly all other agricultural occu- 

 pations in California, is failing to give adequate returns to the growers 

 on account of unrestricted and injudicious competition between pro- 

 ducers. As at present conducted, each grower is attempting to perform 

 the dual role of grower and seller. He is putting his lack of experience 

 as a selling agent and deficient knowledge of market conditions against 

 the trained and experienced buyer. It is not intended to convey the 

 impression that the buyer, whether he be a jobber, commission merchant 

 or cannery employee, is ' ' crooked, ' ' or that there is any attempt or even 

 desire to take advantage of the grower; but the fact is that as a class or 

 as an individual, the buyer is successful in just the degree that he can 

 get his supply of asparagus at a low price. It is his business to buy 

 cheaply, to hammer -the prices he must pay; and if. as is usually the 

 case, he is an employee of some firm or corporation, his value to his 

 employer and his compensation is governed by the ability he displays to 

 buy a little cheaper than is done by competitors. Under these circum- 

 stances it is but human that the buyer should use nil legitimate means to 

 buy cheaply. His knowledge of the markets, supply, demands, prices, 

 etc., give him an advantage over the grower. 



