will market only through handlers that have entered into

will market only through handlers that have entered into contract with The Mutual. (H growers sell their own, they contract as hand* lers also with The Mutual);

Mutual’s elected directors and officers then prescribe the steps the handlers must observe: in price, grades, volume etc. Handlers (or growers) violating these requirements are penalized so much per box; and are “on the outside looking in”.

Seventy-five percent of Florida growers, by volume, were necessary before The Mutual became effective. With over 75 percent, they apparently have command of the Florida marketing situation.

Although it is entirely of the growers, by the growers and for the growers, The Mutual met violent opposition during a year-long sign-up battle. Those handlers who operate “lone wolf” style fought it savagely. It was fought almost as hard by many growers who disliked the idea of being part of an organization. When the 75 percent was achieved, outsiders interested began to watch rather skeptically in light of previous efforts (with different machinery) which had failed dismally. But after 2 years, responsible Florida growers say “This is IT.”

A number one job for apple growers is to make cost-of-production the basis of their selling price: just as the manufacturer of staples does. That will put them abreast of other businesses today; will put some assurance of regular profit in apple-growing. Appalachia has made some creditable—and profitable strides in grower-organization. We still have much distance to go before our cost-of-production is definitely the base for our selling price. For full effectiveness, we must have the other major- apple belts—of the East at least alongside in this, The Floirda Citrus- Mutual will repay very careful watching.

Burton Orange * who works in Charlottesville* spent the' week end with his family in Woodville.