Section 444 - Markets (Adm. Code Section 1704)The Department of Agriculture shall have the power, and its duty shall be:
(a) To investigate the subject of marketing farm products, including the costs of marketing, to prepare and transmit to the Department of Property and Supplies for publication the results of such investigations, and to furnish advice and assistance to the public with reference to the marketing of farm products within this Commonwealth, and all matters relevant thereto;(b) To gather and diffuse timely information concerning the supply, demand, prevailing prices, and commercial movement, of farm products, including quantities in common and cold storage;(c) To secure, in the performance of the duties herein prescribed, the cooperation and assistance of all other agencies;(d) To assist and advise in the organization and conduct of public markets, of cooperative and other associations for improving marketing conditions and activities among producers, distributors, and consumers;(e) To investigate delays, embargoes, conditions, practices, charges and rates, in the transportation and storage of all farm products which appear to be detrimental to a free, economical, and efficient marketing of such products;(f) To take such lawful steps as may be deemed advisable to prevent waste of perishable products;(g) To establish standards for the grading and other classification of farm products, and to enforce the laws relating thereto.1929, April 9, P.L. 177, art. XVII, § 1704.