MARKETING OF FRUIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23951, 28 October 1939, Page 10

MARKETING OF FRUIT

DISPOSAL DURING WAR PERIOD GOVERNMENT CONTROL DESIRED SUGGESTIONS BY GROWERS (Per United Press Association) NELSON, pet. 27. In regard to the marketing of apples and pears during the war period, a special meeting of the Nelson Fruit Advisory Committee held to-day stressed the need for organisation throughout New Zealand. It was the unanimous opinion that to ensure adequate safeguards the following resolutions, which were carried unanimously, should receive the fullest endorsement by each fruitgrowing district:— “That this combined meeting of the Fruit Board and the Fruitgrowers’ Federation urge that the Government take over the marketing of apples and pears as promised by the Minister earlier in the year.” “Having given careful and anxious consideration to the question of the assistance to be given to pip fruit growers for the coming season, we urge the necessity for making a payment at the-inspection point covering the actual cost of production' of all fruit—extra fancy, fancy, good commercial A, and commercial B grades. Should it be found necessary because of lack of shipping to reduce the quantity which is offered for sale after the fruit has been produced, this action should not be a reason for failure to pay the actual cost of production. “In urging this decision, the conference places on record its opinion that the fruitgrowers should not be called upon to make greater sacrifices than any other section of the primary producers. In assessing the cost of production, fruitgrowers’ organisations in the past have asked that this should be assessed by the Price-fixing. Tri : bunal. In view of the urgent need for an early settlement, we. suggest that the Minister fix the price on the evidence submitted to the Fruit Investigation Committee. We also recommend that an apple and pear division of the Marketing Department be established, and the present organisations of the industry used to the fullest extent. “In view of the possibility of a heavy crop and a lack of shipping, there may be left on. the local market a quantity which cannot be disposed of at an economic price. It is suggested that the marketing authority take immediate steps to arrange for free fruit in schools, the additional canning of apples, and the production of any other by-products which may be possible. It is considered that action should be taken to reduce the quantity of imported fruit. An extensive advertising campaign is also recommended.”