10301

Prac Cunture IN CALIFORNIA

34

MARKETING .

The subject of marketing is a complex one and an adequate diseussion
 of it is not within the scope of this publication.?” Because of the
probable heavy production continued difficult marketing conditions
may be expected for several years, unless the crop is abnormally
reduced by frost or other unfavorable conditions.
During the next few years when the profit from peach growing in
many districts is likely to be uncertain,.growers should make every
effort to economically produce and market high quality fruit. Peaches
that are small in size, or of poor quality and condition, cannot be
profitably marketed and tend to depress the price of high quality fruit.
Proper cultural, handling, and marketing practices are especially
important at this time (fie. 16).

Fig. 16.—Properly packed boxes of peaches present an attractive appearance.
{From California Aor. Exp. Sta. Cir. 241.)

Fresh Peaches—Peaches are sold fresh in four ways: (1) at local
sales; (2) to independent buyers; (3) to independent associations or
distributors; and (4) to bona fide growers’ organizations.
The larger proportion of California fresh peaches are marketed in
the area west of Chicago and north of Omaha. In this area during
August, 1925, Portland was the most important market, followed by
Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Omaha, Milwaukee, Seattle, Spokane,
and Denver. Other peach producing sections ship to these markets
whenever the prices make it justifiable. The development of refrigeration
 and fast freight makes it possible for each of the main producing
27 Wellman, H. R. Peaches. California Agr. Ext. Cir. 1:1-64. 1926.