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 Federal Promotion of Crops




DURING THE FIRST HALF-CENTURY Of OUT nation's growth the
government played only a minor role in the promotion of agri-
culture. The search for new plant varieties during this era was
largely in the hands of individuals and farmers' associations. How-
ever, agriculturists realized that they could not cope with the
problems of importing and disseminating new varieties and con-
ducting experimental work without government aid. Organizations
like the Berkshire Agricultural Society made repeated demands
for Federal assistance. The grain and sugar interests wanted
government help in the importation of new seed stocks.
 DUFOUR AND ASSOCIATES
 The first move by Congress to encourage the introduction of
new agricultural products was the Act of May 1, 1802. John James
Dufour and his associates were authorized to purchase up to four
sections of land, northwest of the Ohio River between the Great
Miami River and the Indian boundary line, at the rate of two
dollars per acre, "in order to promote the culture of the vine
within the territory of the United States." This act was passed in
response to the demands of many men for an American wine indus-
try, and to help overcome serious difficulties encountered in grow-
ing the European grape in the eastern United States.
 After operating for a number of years, Dufour reported that
 he had succeeded in making wine of good quality. However, he
 and his associates ran into financial difficulties. In 1813 they
 applied to Congress for a remission of their debt or an extension
 of time for payment. The Committee on the Public Lands of the
 House reported on Dufour's lack of success ". .owing to many
 difficulties and embarrassments incident to their new establish-
 ment, the length of time which must elapse before vine-dressers
 [24]