MARKETING PRODUCE.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17974, 20 March 1930, Page 10

MARKETING PRODUCE.

CO-OPERATIVE SYSTEM. MOVEMENT IN AMERICA. WIDESPREAD SUPPORT. In view of the inquiry that is about to he made on behalf of the Government by the Department of Industries and Commerce into the marketing of fruit and vegetables in the Dominion, special interest attaches Just at this time to the methods of marketing these commodities adopted in other countries (says the latest 'bulletin issued by (he Department of Industries and Commerce).

Perhaps the most important feature of agriculture ail the world over at present is the development of the 00operative movement, especially in the marketing of produce. In the United States, for example, approximately one-fifth of the Entire Farm Output is handled through this type of business organisation. Not only has the annual business of these various cooperatives increased steadily, but each year more associations are formed. The most recent move in this direction in that country is in the co-opera-live marketing of fruit and vegetables. An announcement was made last year that a nation-wide fruit and vegetable growers’ co-operative markeling association, to be known as “The United Growers of America,” with a capital of £10,000,000 and headquarters in New York, had recently been organised by a group prominently idenf ifled with agriculture throughout the United States. In Its initial work the new organisation will serve 60 subsidiary co-operatives In 25 States covering all parts of the country. This marks the second major step in the combination of agricultural cooperatives .since the new Federal Farm Board began to function, although the new association has been organised independently of the board. On July 26 last the Farmers’ National Grain Corporation was organised to unite grainselling co-operatives on a national scale. The new fruit and vegetable co-operative Is capitalised ait a much higher figure than that set for the grain corporation (£4,000,000). The announced purpose of both is to give a “big business” sales organisation 'to the farm products involved. From the headquarters In New York naiional and international sales service for the joint use of the member associations will be directed. No change in the existing associations is contemplated, but through the new co-opera-tive

Fflore Complete IVtarkotlng Service, ; adequate credits and other advantages will bo offered them. Cold storage j warehouses will be operated by the ; organisation. I Private marketing concerns as well as She co-operative associations are i supporting the project, as indicated in ! n statement issued by the new organjisation: “Invitations are being issued !o co-operative associations throughout the United States calling for group XGontimsed ka,

conferences and negotiations, looking to their participation on the same initial basis. Assurance has also been given by a number of private marketing concerns that they will be interested in joining in the programme and readjusting their services to a largescale merchandising of fruits and vegetables in accordance with the policies of the Farm Board.” Go-operative marketing arrangements are now under discussion among the cotton, rice, and tobacco producers.