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Show Freight Eoosts Force Change in Farm Economy WASHINGTON Postwar boost in freight rates is forcing readjustments readjust-ments in the agricultural economy, according to the department of agriculture. agri-culture. It costs two and one-half billion dollars to transport the nation's food supply from farm to retail store, or more than double the prewar pre-war cost, the department reported. In fact, the freight bill averaged about $16.67 for each American. For this reason some food processors pro-cessors are decentralizing their operations op-erations to avoid long hauls. Others are said to be virtually discontinuing discontin-uing the products that previously moved to distant markets, and aiming aim-ing their production for nearby points. Rates charged by regulated motor carriers have increased almost in proportion to railroad rates. The department reported that it cost 18 billion dollars to market last year's food supply that is, to sell and process raw materials, and transport and distribute finished fin-ished products. This compared with eight billion in 1939. |