Northwest Horticultural Council Records, 1951-1976

The collection contains correspondence and other papers of the Northwest Horticultural Council, covering the period 1951 through 1976, with agricultural agencies, producers and shippers, and the Council's European representatives concerning the protection, promotion and transportation (particularly regarding freight rate hearings) of fruit products. Correspondents include the International Apple Association and the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association. The first three series, comprising the bulk of the collection and cover the period from 1968 through 1972.

The first series, Correspondence, was generated and received primarily by Ernest Falk, Council Manager. Major topics include labor standards, unionization, migrant labor, and strikes. Product improvement, pesticides, and government regulations are also discussed. In addition to correspondence with private producers and shippers, substantial correspondence was received from and directed to other agricultural organizations including the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, Ore-Wash-Calif Pear Bureau, Washington Agricultural Producers Council, California Grape and Tree Fruit League, International Apple Association, and the National Council of Agriculture.

The second series, Exports, is comprised of correspondence and materials pertaining to John M. Schooley and Colin Paul, the Council's European representatives. Also included in the series is data dealing with duties, regulations, and promotional materials as well as international conference details.

Transportation, the third series, encompasses both domestic and foreign trade. While established rates and regulations are the chief concerns, court documents related to freight rate increases proposed by the railroads are included. Also in this series is correspondence with the Interstate Commerce Commission and the National Fruit and Vegetable Claims Committee.

Random issues of the Northwest Horticultural Council Newsletter and horticulture industry bulletins, covering 1963-1976, comprise the fourth series, Publications. And the fifth series, Other Papers, contains industry statistics and materials concerning rate increase hearings from 1951-1974.