Sales . --The following tabulation shows the cooperative has had some 

 maior fluctuations but no definite trend in produce sales volume over 

 the 5-year period ending October 1969. 



Season ' Volume of Sales 



Nov. thru Oct. Dollars 



\ 



1964-65 1,026,140 



1965-66 704,140 



1966-67 768,546 



1967-68 719,679 



1968-69 821,047 



Markets Served . --Most of the produce purchased by brokers from the coopera- 

 tive is shipped to Boston, New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and 

 Washington, D. C. Some produce is distributed as far as Canada. 



Selling Methods . --Management ' 8 current method of sales is to local brokers. 

 Sales through the auction method were discontinued in early 1969. 



Brand Policy . --The cooperative has no brand or label of its own. Produce 

 is marketed under members' names or labels. 



Market Information . --The general manager of the co-op obtains market 

 information from various sources, including trade iournals, Federal and 

 State market news, and local brokers. 



Quality Control . --The cooperative's personnel regulate the quality of 

 growers' cucumbers, peppers, and sweet potatoes that are packed at 

 the association's warehouse. Quality control for all-other produce is 

 the responsibility of the member growers. If a buyer desires State 

 inspection for produce up for sale, he must assume the additional costs. 



Operating Problems . --The maior problem facing the cooperative is the 

 decline in their sales volume. The current size of the operation makes 

 it difficult for the cooperative to meet fixed expenses. 



Management's Appraisal of Sales Situation . --The trend toward fewer buyers 

 makes it more difficult to promote sufficient sales competition for a 

 satisfactory price. The limited volume and variety of produce handled 

 by the cooperative presents problems in filling certain orders. 



33 



