Marketing Margins for Fruits and Vegetables

Marketing margins, retail prices, and farm values for fresh fruits and vegetables each increased 3 percent from 1961 to 1962. The farmer's share of the retail price remained unchanged at 34 percent. Margins and prices for processed fruits and vegetables decreased from 1961 to 1962. The farm value was down 12 percent, the retail price 4 percent, and the marketing margin 1 percent. The farmer's share of the retail cost dropped from 23 to 21 percent. In 1961-62, the margin for Washington Delicious apples sold in Chicago was up sharply from the preceding season, while for those sold in New York City the margin decreased substantially. However, in each market the margin was larger than the average of the last 6 seasons. Margins for California Valencia, California Navel and Florida oranges sold in Chicago in 1961-62 were all larger than in the preceding season; retail prices were higher for the California types but lower for Florida oranges. Margins for Florida grapefruit sold in Detroit and Pittsburgh during 1960-61 moved in almost exact proportion to the changes in the retail price, leaving the percentage margin essentially unchanged. The margins for lemons in 1960-61 increased for the second consecutive season, both in dollars and as a percentage of the retail price