Describes method used by hybrid seed marketers to sell to a farmer-dealer at wholesale, then allow the farmer to distribute the product in a local area.
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's (USDA) push for foreign market development in recent years has placed a greater emphasis on promotion programs, some of which include limited amounts for advertising. While the amount of government contribution varies from contract to contract, usually the subsidy is matched by a cooperator and by a third party, usually a foreign interest. The promotion programs now operate in over 80 nations, conducted by 43 nonprofit agricultural trade organizations on a long-term basis. Smaller scale and shorter term projects are also being conducted mostly by farm-owned cooperators."
Results of early tests of gasohol at the pump. Already the nation's corn farmers have formed a group to promote the usage of alcohol. Gasohol is currently being sold in 28 states.
Trends in the mail order catalog business. Includes a brief history back to 1872 when Aaron Montgomery Ward decided to market items to midwestern farmers living miles away from available shopping. About 85 million catalogs in the mailes in 1978, representing about 8,000 companies.
"An expanded list of promotion programs administered by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), and mostly funded by farmer groups, is channeling almost $35 million annually into advertising and promotion. While most government marketing subsidies have disappeared, the number of promotion programs and available funding have continued to grow from 11 programs in 1975 to 20 programs today, with 3 more awaiting Congressional approval. Of the 20 existing programs, 19 are funded by producers, farmers, or manufacturers." Article mentions beef, wheat, wool, raisin and peach programs.
