1256 The Vegetable Industry in New Yoke 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 



