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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] Re:Food quality

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  • From: "Bill Shoemaker" <wshoemak AT inil.com>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Re:Food quality
  • Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 07:52:35 -0600

>I'm such a strong believer in human nature that I'm betting that there is
>*at least* a moderately large population of USA citizens/residents that
>would want a local peach instead of an imported (from Calif or elsewhere)
>one. In addition, we can do our little part and maximize what we buy from
>local growers.
>
I agree Matt. But many wholesale growers are not interested in any form of
retail contact with the public. They want to grow the crop, pack it, ship it
and collect the check. But the reward isn't in that end of the business
(read "small checks"). The shipper/distributer segment "controls" prices at
both ends. They determine the price the grower gets and they determine the
price the consumer pays. As long as consumers keep buying it, they're doing
okay. But they know exactly how much to pay growers to avoid spending an
extra penney on a peach. We need growers who are willing to work toward
quality all the way through the distribution chain to the consumer, and
consumers who will pay for better quality when it show's up. And I believe
direct marketers, such as Bob and yourself, are going to make that happen.
Consumer movements, such as local sourcing, and slow food, will ensure it.
Let's hope.

Bill Shoemaker
Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops
Univ of Illinois - St Charles Hort Research Center





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