24 BULLETIN 267, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



CONCLUSION. 



The car-lot movement of fruits and vegetables from distant pro- 

 duction areas to large distribution centers has assumed its present 

 importance during the last 20 years. This means that our pres- 

 ent marketing methods are of comparatively recent origin. Many 

 believe that the solution of present marketing problems would be 

 reached by a return to the simple, direct methods which sufficed for 

 the preceding generation. It should be borne in mind, however, that 

 our present market machinery has been evolved because changing 

 conditions of supply have made necessary many changes in the 

 methods of handling food products. 



A knowledge of the manner in which perishables were handled and 

 marketed 40 years ago helps very little toward solving present diffi- 

 culties. Any intelligent attempt to better marketing conditions must 

 be based on a good working knowledge of present agencies and their 

 functions. The nearer that both producer and consumer can come 

 to an understanding and appreciation of the work devolving upon 

 the distributor, the nearer will we approach a solution of many of 

 the problems incident to the movement of fruits and vegetables. 



A better knowledge of present methods of marketing would assist 

 greatly in clearing away many problems, even though no changes in 

 the present scheme of distribution were made. The shipper who has 

 a more or less definite knowledge of the course his goods will take 

 when they reach a big market has a great advantage over the man 

 who has no idea of methods of distribution. He can safeguard his 

 interests by retaining a measure of control over his product after it- 

 reaches destination. 



Shippers or prospective shippers of fruits and vegetables are ad- 

 vised to get in touch with their principal market, learn its likes, 

 dislikes, and peculiarities, study the means whereby their goods are 

 distributed to consumers, and secure a working knowledge of the 

 chief problems incident to the handling of their commodities. 



SUMMARY. 



1. In treating the subject of market distribution of fruits and 

 vegetables, an effort has been made to explain certain general prac- 

 tices at large distribution centers which receive fruits and vegetables 

 in car-lot quantities. 



2. The widening distance between producer and consumer has 

 called into existence the middleman of to-day. The fact that the 

 middleman has certain useful functions to perform makes it inadvis- 

 able to eliminate him without arranging for some other agency to 

 assume his duties. 



