1256 Tus Vecetaste Inpustry 1n New York State 
The growers have not always been fair in matters of this kind. 
They have at times tried to deliver any but quality produce, 
filling bottoms of containers with poor rubbish and topping off 
with standard grade fruit. They have also shipped large quanti- 
ties of contract produce to the open market at an advanced price, 
and at other times have overloaded the canneries with a large sup- 
ply that possibly came from an adjoining field and was not con- 
tracted — in direct violation of their contract. 
A cooperative association must have some rule of fairness; 
must have a reputation for fair dealing; must be dependable and 
have fixed business principles which serve both the buyer and the 
seller. Our plan is to enter into an agreement with the canners 
and preservers for a specified number of acres of produce at a 
stated price. The conditions governing the contract cover varie- 
ties, delivery, loading station, baskets for delivery, right of the 
canner to measure acreage, quality of fruit or produce and terms 
of payment. 
In the matter of contracting with our members, each one is 
required to sign a binding contract specifying acreage and agree- 
ing that all produce marketed at canneries shall conform to the 
standard and conditions as set forth in the contract made be 
tween canneries and the association. We found it was necessary 
to have a stringent contract. 
With us cooperation has made possible better business methods. 
It has likewise been a benefit to the canner. He now receives 
better quality produce; he is not disappointed in his acreage by 
being informed at the last minute that the grower failed to plant 
his crop; his expense in securing acreage with the individual 
growers is lessened, and improved methods of production and grad- 
ing have given him better uniformity, which has greatly improved 
quality. The management has interested canners and preservers 
in distant cities and towns in the purchase of our products. This 
has increased the acreage in production from year to year, which 
has added to the prosperity of the growers, and all classes of our 
citizens have shared in the prosperity. The railroads have prof- 
ited by the increased freight tonnage resulting from industrial 
activity, based on agricultural prosperity ; manufacturers of farm 
