Excerpts from the report Introduction: Research on economic problems in agricultural marketing is centered in the Marketing Economics Division of the Economic Research Service. Research is conducted on a wide range of functional and commodity problems that arise in moving the Nation's vast output of food and fiber from, producers to consumers. An outstanding characteristic of the research program is its concern with changes in marketing and their implication to producers and consumers. Results of the research are designed to help farmers, marketing firms, public officials, trade groups, and others make sound operating and policy decisions relating to marketing farm products, including procurement of supplies used in farm production. This report is for people who want to understand what research shows is happening and may happen in agricultural marketing. Separate chapters deal with the overall perspectives, innovations, market development, transportation, and various commodity groups.