APPENDIX B 
Letter and Enclosure Sent to Each Respondent 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Economic Research Service 
Washington 25, D.C. 
(Date) 
(Address) 
Gentlemen: 
The Atomic Energy Commission is engaged in comprehensive research on the radiation 
pasteurization of certain fruits and vegetables as part of the ''Atoms for Peace'' program. 
Relatively low doses of radiation are used to inhibit growth of microbes responsible for 
spoilage and thus has a potential for extending the marketing life of those commodities. 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been requested by the Atomic Energy Commis- 
sion to interview growers, shippers and other members of the produce trade to obtain 
their opinions, judgments, and estimates regarding the feasibility and acceptability of 
marketing radiation pasteurized fresh strawberries, peaches, grapes, citrus and toma- 
toes. The enclosed sheet gives a very brief general description of the radiation pasteuri- 
zation process and preliminary cost estimates developed by Stanford Research Institute. 
Personnel of the Horticultural Crops Section will be in your area during the next few 
weeks and may visit your firm during this survey. If you are contacted, your coopera- 
tion will be appreciated; and we wish to emphasize that all information about your firm 
or business will be treated strictly confidential and will be released only as average data 
representing a number of similar firms. 
Sincerely yours, 
Loyd C. Martin 
Head 
Horticultural Crops Section 
Enclosure 
(ejé 
