The Fight Over Who Controls the Apple Market
W. H. Paulhamus lashes out at fruit distributors in a heated debate over federal oversight of the Northwest apple industry.
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W. H. Paulhamus, chairman of the executive committee of the Northwest Fruit Growers' council, addressed criticisms from fruit buyers in North Yakima regarding the government's role in distributing apples. He argues that the government plan is essential to stabilize the industry, and dismisses the critics as men motivated by personal gain rather than the health of the industry. Paulhamus insists that a 'fool killer' is needed to distinguish between honest effort and selfish desire, urging growers to support the new department of markets.
“I sometimes believe that we should have a 'Fool Killer' capable of discerning the difference between honesty of purpose and selfish desire.”
The tension between producers and distributors in the 1916 fruit industry echoes contemporary debates about the consolidation of agricultural supply chains. Paulhamus's call for 'orderly control' over market chaos remains a relevant theme for regional growers today.
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