Management's appraisal of sales situation . --Fewer buyers has made 

 sales more difficult In terms of generating competition for most 

 satisfactory price. At times crop growing conditions have not been 

 conducive to meeting quality demands. The cooperative also has 

 problems to meet demands for Increased varieties of produce specified 

 by buyers due to limitation of supplies available in the area. Demand 

 for consumer size packages cannot be met because of a relatively short 

 season and high cost of packaging. 



Cooperative Growers Association Inc. 



Cooperative Growers Association at Beverly, N, J., is the oldest 

 marketing organization in .the study. It was incorporated as a 

 cooperative in October 1918. It sells members' produce through 

 the auction, direct, and on consignment; handles production and 

 market supplies; and grades, hydrocools, ices, trucks, and stores 

 produce . 



Organizational Structure and Facilities 



The overall membership in 1968 was about 150 growers. On the average, 

 only about one-fourth of the members' produce was handled through the 

 cooperative <> 



The general manager carries out the policies of the board including 

 supervising purchasing, sales, and employees of the association. The 

 board of directors hires a salesman to handle the direct sales program 

 for corn. 



Buildings include an office, warehouse, auction platform, and cold 

 storage room. They are considered adequate for the current size 

 of the operation. 



Eligibility for Membership .-- A member must be a local grower of 

 produce who will comply with the bylaws, rules, and regulations of 

 the association, and pay an annual membership fee of $5o 



Marketing Agreement »-- There is no marketing agreement between the 

 cooperative and its member growers in auction, direct, or consignment 

 sales . 



Financing . -- Methods of financing used Include patrons equity and loans 

 through commercial banks. 



Board and Management „ -- The cooperative's policy is set by a board of 

 nine members elected for 3 years on a staggered basis so that three 

 new members are elected at each annual meeting. Officers of the 

 association are elected from members of the board. 



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