Annual Report -2- 



Thft latest monthly crop astlnatas of apples* potatoes* onions 

 and cranberries as recelvod by teletype by the tt.s.D.A. are prepared 

 and mailed to interested parties* 



The Division of Markets is responsible for the release of all 

 publicity through radio, teleTision* press releases and meetings* 

 including special promotional functions* tours of markets and agri- 

 culturfll growing areas to help a better movenent of locally-grown 

 fruits* vegetables and flowers. 



Among our many marketing servioes* of major importance is our 

 Federal-State Inspection Service. For $1 continuous years all state 

 agriculture departments in the nation have cooperated with the U.S.D.A. 

 in providing shipping point fruit and vegetable inspections for their 

 own states* farm products* 



Mas^aohusetts has been among the leaders in providing this service 

 for financially interested parties. This has resulted in better market- 

 ing conditions and no upgrading of quality from the grower level 

 through packers* distributors* receivers to the final consumer. 



It was recognised as far back as World War I that as markets 

 increased in size and distance fron growing areas* some common bond 

 of understanding as to the quality of fresh products was essential 

 between buyer and seller in ox*der to effectively maintain healthy 

 marketing conditions. This led to the establishment of TJ.3. Orades or 

 Standards for potatoes* the first product to be so covered. Since then 

 hundreds of grades and standards have been set and now cover practically 

 all fresh commodities. 



With the signing of a Memoranda of Agreement between Massachusetts 

 and the TT.S.D.A.* this state agreed to have our own state inspectors 

 trained by the Department. 



