Articles
EVOLUTION OF THE MARKET CHANNELS FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
In France over the past 20 years we have seen a certain parting of the ways between the official policy of organising the fruit and vegetable market and the developments which have actually occurred in the systems of distribution.
The various policies adopted by the authorities have generally speaking been followed in order to encourage the development of a uniform marketing system for the whole of the trade.
However, a close study of the developments which have taken place shows that, on the contrary, there has been a steadily increasing diversity within the system over the whole of the period.
During these two decades important technological changes have taken place.
Yields have increased, productivity has risen, quality has improved, and the techniques of storage, transport, packing and marketing have changed.
France is an important producer, importer and exporter of fruits and vegetables, and her people consume large quantities.
Produce is in abundant and varied supply.
These observations lead us to a number of interesting questions.
Why has the official policy of uniformity in market organisation not been followed by the trade?
What are the causes and what is the economic significance of the diversity to be observed within the marketing system? What is the sense and how important is a policy of uniformity in this field?
Can account be taken of this multiformity in a market organisation policy?