Annual Report -1- 



To the Division of Markets, Marketing is the final phase 

 in a chain of complicated steps that lead from the initial farm 

 planting and ultimately to the consumer's table. Farm market- 

 ing in Massachusetts is big business - direct cash receipts 

 returned to the farmers is over 170 million dollars and agri- 

 business is worth 5 billion dollars annually, making it the 

 second largest Industry in the state. 



Because of the many economic complexities and technological 

 changes involved in modern perishable produce marketing, the 

 Division of Markets is charged with the responsibility of at- 

 tempting to create a better marketing climate and a more orderly 

 marketing program for this produce and other farm products. 



Essentially this task is done by providing certain vital 

 market infor^uation, shipping point inspection, timely product 

 promotions, and consumer protection. 



Our personnel are qualified for many kinds of inspection, 

 investigation and market reporting, thus making for both economy 

 and efficiency. These services include all fruit and vegetable 

 inspections at shipping points and at retail stores, purity 

 blueberry inspections, wholesale price reporting 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 Federal-State matching funds, inspection and certification 

 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, administration 



