The fact that market outlets for agricultural products are expected to 
expand gradually means that additional production resulting from the 
prevention of losses need not depress prices or reduce gross incomes 
of producers over a period of several years in the future. With ade- 
quate attention to research and education they could contribute much 
to expanding requirements for products over a period as far ahead as 
1960, or 1975. 
Moreover, in situations where supplies of agricultural products are 
relatively large and farm prices have declined, there is special need 
to put increased emphasis on finding ways of controlling losses at 
lower costs to farmers. This could be an important way of helping to 
maintain and improve net farm incomes. Discovery of new uses for pro=- 
ducts and ways of reducing costs in marketing and distribution by better 
control of losses in marketing channels also would improve net farm 
incomes. 
Other Means of Improving Production 
As mentioned in Chapter I, there are ways of expanding production and 
reducing costs of farm and forest products other than the more effective 
control of the specific losses covered in this report. For example, 
production could be expanded and costs reduced by wider use of techno= 
logical improvements, such as better kinds of plants and livestock. 
Obviously, it will be desirable to take advantage of all the opportuni- 
ties for making agricultural production more efficient and of obtaining 
additional production when needed at the lowest possible costs, 
The study of agriculture's capacity to produce that was cited in foot- 
note 1, Chapter I, indicated that a total farm output 20 percent greater 
than in 1950 could be attained within the next }; or 5 years, if necessary, 
by means other than the control of the kinds of losses to which this 
report relates. That projection was based on the assumptions that 
weather would be average throughout the period; that price and income 
incentives would be sufficient to encourage higher production; that 
additional quantities of fertilizer, machinery, and other requisites 
would be available at costs that would encourage increased use of them; 
and that educational and operational programs would be redirected to 
speed up adoption of improved farming practices. The study was not a 
forecast of what farmers will do, but rather an estimate of the produc- 
tion level they could attain under such favorable conditions. It also 
indicated that considerable progress toward widespread adoption of con= 
servation systems of farming would be possible, with consequent establish- 
ment of a basis for continuing abundant farm production. 
