No. 123.] DIVISION OF MARIvETS. 31 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF MARKETS. 



The Division of Markets has continued to develop the serv- 

 ices which are proving valuable in bringing about better 

 methods of marketing. Requests from farmers, middlemen and 

 consumers have been made for additional and more complete 

 services. It is hoped that we may be able to increase our 

 facilities to meet their demands. To meet the exacting re- 

 quirements of those using the Division's facilities, an efficient 

 and accurate service is necessary to hold the confidence which 

 is now evident. The regulatory activities have been adminis- 

 tered with a view to helping those whom they affect to do their 

 marketing according to the requirements of the laws, and 

 bringing about a more general understanding of the purpose for 

 which they were enacted. 



The Division's market news service, its standardization, 

 inspection and certification program, and the beginning made in 

 studying the practices and margins in the distribution of farm 

 products, have met the approval of all those directly affected. 



The efficient production and distribution of farm products 

 will come about more rapidly when the necessary operations in 

 correct marketing are thoroughly understood. In order to give 

 all sections of the Commonwealth a service of much importance 

 it will be necessary to have permanent representatives in several 

 of the larger cities. Up to the present time two cities have 

 been the centers for temporary services through part-time em- 

 ployees. Carrying on under this plan has given an oppor- 

 tunity for those using the services to decide upon their value. 

 This decision has come in the affirmative, with a request for 

 permanent year-round service. 



Keeping pace with the rapid progress in standardization will 

 be a problem for a long period of time. The advantages to be 

 derived by growers, the trade and the consumer, through the 

 standardization of grades for farm products and the packages 

 in which they are marketed, are little realized. This problem 

 has been handled in a limited way by the Division, but to 



