Hammonton Cooperative Fruit Auction Association Inc. 



The Hammonton Cooperative Fruit Auction, Hammonton, N. J. , was incor- 

 porated and began operations in July 1935, It sells its members' 

 produce on auction, performs a cooling, freezing and cold storage service 

 for members' fruits, storage for sweet potatoes, and supplies containers 

 for members' berries. 



Organizational Structure and Facilities 



In 1968 the cooperative had 130 members. About 75 percent of these 

 members marketed from half to all of their produce through the coopera- 

 tive. The remaining members average patronage was only about 25 percent 

 of their total produce. 



The general manager hired bv the board of directors is responsible for 

 carrying out policy and supervising all cooperative activities. 



The cooperative's buildings are in fair to good condition and include 

 an office, auction shed, loading shed, freezer and cold storage facility, 

 and a sweet potato storage building. Major equipment consists of truck 

 scales and fork lift truck and pallets. 



Eligibility for Membership . - -A producer of agricultural products who 

 markets some of his produce through the cooperative and pays an annual 

 fee of $2 may be admitted as a member. However, the board of directors 

 has the authority to reject any application for membership. 



Marketing Contract . --The cooperative currently has no marketing contract 

 with its members. Their last marketing contract was tied in with a 

 direct sales program involving blueberries. This was discontinued in 

 1966. 



Financing . --The cooperative's method of financing has been through 

 equity certificates and capital surplus. 



Board and Management . --The board of directors, consisting of nine members, 

 controls the co-op's business. Members are in office for 3 years. The 

 original nominations were staggered in 1-, 2-, and 3-year terms so that 

 three new members are elected each year. 



The president and vice-president must be elected from members of the 

 board; the secretary and treasurer need not be, 



A committee is appointed each year to make arrangements for the annual 

 meeting. 



The board hires the general manager who carries out policy decisions, 

 supervise the operations, and hires employees as needed. 



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