Annual Report -1- 



Because of the con5)lexities and seasonal changes of modern 

 produce marketing, the Division of Markets is charged with the 

 responsibility of creating a better climate for a more orderly 

 marketing of fresh products, primarily fruits and vegetables, but 

 including all fresh farm produce. 



Essentially this task is done by providing certain vital market 

 information, shipping point inspection, timely product promotions, 

 and consumer protection. 



Our personnel are qualified for several kinds of inspection 

 and market reporting, thus making for both economy and efficiency. 

 These services include all fruit and vegetable inspections at 

 shipping points, purity blueberry inspections, wholesale price re- 

 porting in Boston, Worcester and Springfield city markets, editing 

 Special Apple Market Report, retail price reporting of Greater 

 Boston Area, Milk Flavor Programs and Crop Reporting Programs 

 operating under Pederal-State matching funds, inspection and cer- 

 tification of approved controlled atmosphere storage rooms, seed 

 inspection and administration of this law, including cooperative 

 work with the U,S.D.A, in regard to the Federal Seed Act, administra- 

 tion of the apple, potato and "native" labeling and grading laws, 

 collection of statistical marketing data, and acting as a clearing 

 house for all press releases issued by the Department, The latest 

 monthly crop estimates of apples, potatoes, onions and cranberries, 

 as received by teletype by the U.S,D,Ao are prepared and mailed to 

 interested parties. 



The Division is responsible for the release of all publicity 

 through radio, television, press releases and meetings, including 

 special promotional fvmctions, tours of markets and agricultural 



