Published once a v/cck at Palmer|Alaska, for the Matanuska Valley Farmers’
Cooperating Association for tho purpose of giving nov/s of the Associa
tions work, problems and Accomplishments.
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THE AGE-OLD PROBLEM *- MARKETING
The marketing problem all through the history of the development of a
new country has been one of the biggest problems confronting the farmers.
Turn to your history books and read of the trials of the early western
farmers in Iannsyluania and Ohio. The "hiskey Rebellion, for example,
was caused by poor marketing conditions. Farmers of western Pehnsylvania
reduced their grain to whiskey because 6f the high transportation costs-.
The added cost of the revenue was lore than these farmers could stand
and so they rebelled. Fortunately, for the development of the western
part of the United States, the railroad era coincided with the westward
movement during the latter part of the 19th century. Fven then the
marketing problems were of major importance.
In Alaska, the marketing problems have also been of major importance to
the farmers. While transportation has been a big. factor—we have anoth
problem which, while reduced in magnitude, is still unsolved. This c.r ^
is a sufficiently large enough population to consume the products wh.'w.n
vie can produce. In American history—production has usually outstripped.
consumption--so this problem is not unique in Alaska either. However,
thinking, back to the "lean thirties", we realise that we hfve come a
long ways since that time. The coming of Army installations to Alaska
and with it the influx of population lias done much to put the Alaskan
farmer on his feet. But, in spite of axl this, our problems are still
far from solved.
One of the biggest, problems confronting the ALaskan farmer in the mar
keting of his products is that of meeting the .prices of the State mar
kets and lately of Canada. The ALaskan .farmer must still ship many o*"
his supplies from the States, and this cost added to his production ccst
makes it hard for him to compete and still maintain a decent margin of
profit.
Other problems to be solved include that of lengthening the marketing
season for fresh' produce by better storage facilities, types of produce
that will keep in storage for a longer period, and planned production
so that the market will not be flooded for a few short weeks and nothing
the rest of. the season. Air transportation can be a boon to Alaskan
farmers in reaching out to other markets, but it also adds stiff compe
tition in that fresh produce can be shipped more easily from sections of
the country where production costs are much lower.
Under the Agriculture Research program that is being rapidly developed
in Alaska, we now have a nan to study marketing problems and to help
xvork out solutions to these problems. A marketing survey is the first
step and using this information, steps can be taken to solve some of our
problems. Alaska has needed this tjrpe of 'work ~ for a good many year'
and now that we have taken the first seep, it will be up to everyone to
cooperate with the men taking a survey in every way possible.
Other ways in which the farmer can help to work out his problems include
the production of superior products — "Uon'e but the Best1' for our Alaskan
markets should be his slogan, because the best in ALaskan products need
not take a back seat to any other. Cooperation of farmers can lower cast
increase better transportation facilities, and can bo a basis in bo tit or
planning of production to insure a longer marketing season.
Finally—in conclusion we quote—
"The quickest way to tear down the business of a co-op is to place pro
ducts of inferior quality upon the. market. In the first place, there is
no obligation upon the part of the buyor to purchase goods of inferior
quality. Consumers demand food fit not only for human consumption but
palatable and attractive as well.
"Therefore, members of cooperative organizations should cooperate in
every v;ay possible in the program of raising the standard and the ouali
tv of their products. This is the best way to make friends with the
consuming public." Equity Union exchange.published t/ Farmers Equity
_Union. Greensville, 111._