MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION OF STRAWBERRIES. 5 



These organizations have relieved the grower of most of the details 

 of the disposal of his crop, and in many, cases have undertaken the 

 difficult responsibility of securing a sufficient quantity of supplies of 

 proper quality, such as berry plants, fertilizers, crates, and boxes. 

 Some associations even maintain a labor bureau for securing help 

 during the harvesting season. The success of such a cooperative or- 

 ganization depends upon the united efforts of all members to maintain 

 a high degree of efficiency and so to frame the requirements of the 

 organization that those composing it will feel the responsibility of 

 their membership. 



In some cases, by concerted action, a number of local organiza- 

 tions have secured a high degree of uniformity in the grade and pack 

 of the berries. 



All associations do not perform the same functions for their mem- 

 bers, as some of them take the entire responsibility for the disposal of 

 the crop, and others only load cars which are consigned to various 

 firms in the markets as designated by the growers. Some associa- 

 tions practically pay cash for berries delivered, and others do not. 

 Various methods of handling the business of the association have been 

 worked out to meet the requirements of the different types of busi- 

 ness carried on. 1 Different associations have developed different 

 types of receipts to be given the growers for berries delivered. A few 

 of these typical forms are shown on pages 6 and 7. 



Figure 2 is the type of receipt used by an association which sold 

 cars on track at the loading point to representatives of northern 

 wholesale houses. Under these conditions the prices for the different 

 grades and varieties are usually established by noon each day, and as 

 the berries are not delivered at the cars until afternoon or evening, 

 the price can be indicated on the receipt when it is issued to the 

 grower. 



Figure 3 is the form used in a locality where the association does not 

 undertake the sale of the berries. In 1915 this association purchased 

 supplies for its members, arranged with the railroad for an adequate 

 supply of iced cars, and kept a record of the berries shipped and of the 

 names of the firms receiving them. The actual disposal of the berries 

 was arranged for by the grower, who dealt directly with the represen- 

 tatives of the wholesale houses in the single market to which all berries 

 from this section go. The grower made out his receipt in duplicate, 

 giving one copy to the bookkeeper, who made out the car manifests. 

 These were used as delivery sheets by the agent in the market, who 

 delivered the different lots of berries to the various consignees as 

 requested by the growers. Such an arrangement as this is possible 

 only where all berries are sold on consignment. 



i See Nahstoll, G. A., and Kerr, W. H. A System of Accounting for Cooperative Fruit Associations. 

 U. S. Dept. of Agriculture Bui. 225, 1915. 



