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The Status of Labor-Saving Mechanization in U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Harvesting

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  • Huffman, Wallace E.

Abstract

This paper provides a description of important steps in the mechanization of U.S. fruit and vegetable harvesting, which can be hard, backbreaking work, and in addition, the risk of falling is significant for hand-harvesting fruit trees from ladders. Switching to mechanical harvesting frequently requires the transformation of a farming operation, e.g., new crop varieties, new field configurations, and new packing processes. In addition, a significant capital outlay is frequently required. Progress in mechanization varies a great deal across fruit and vegetable crops.
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Suggested Citation

  • Huffman, Wallace E., 2012. "The Status of Labor-Saving Mechanization in U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Harvesting," Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm, and Resource Issues, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 27(2), pages 1-7.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaeach:129106
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.129106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrew Schmitz & David Seckler, 1970. "Mechanized Agriculture and Social Welfare: The Case of the Tomato Harvester," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 52(4), pages 569-577.
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    Cited by:

    1. Luca Brondino & Danielle Borra & Nicole Roberta Giuggioli & Stefano Massaglia, 2021. "Mechanized Blueberry Harvesting: Preliminary Results in the Italian Context," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-14, November.
    2. Calvin, Linda & Martin, Philip & Simnitt, Skyler, 2022. "Adjusting to Higher Labor Costs in Selected U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Industries," USDA Miscellaneous 323872, United States Department of Agriculture.
    3. Rodgers, Aaron D. & Harri, Ardian & Morgan, Kimberly & Tack, Jesse & Hood, Ken & Coble, Keith, 2014. "Determining Willingness to Adopt Mechanical Harvesters among Southeastern Blueberry Producers," 2014 Annual Meeting, February 1-4, 2014, Dallas, Texas 162529, Southern Agricultural Economics Association.
    4. Calvin, Linda & Martin, Philip & Simnitt, Skyler, 2022. "Adjusting to Higher Labor Costs in Selected U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Industries," Economic Information Bulletin 327354, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    5. Charlton, Diane & Hill, Alexandra E. & Taylor, J. Edward, 2022. "Automation and social impacts: winners and losers," ESA Working Papers 330793, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA).
    6. Ryota Nakatani, 2024. "Food companies' productivity dynamics: Exploring the role of intangible assets," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 40(1), pages 185-226, January.
    7. Li, Yi & Huang, Kuan-Ming & Guan, Zhengfei, 2024. "Mechanization and Farm Profit: Model and Application to Specialty Crops," 2024 Annual Meeting, July 28-30, New Orleans, LA 344053, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    8. Hogan, Chellie A. & Walters, Lurleen M. & Williams, Brian R., 2018. "Evaluating the Effects of Legalization on Farmworker Wages in the Crop Sector," 2018 Annual Meeting, August 5-7, Washington, D.C. 274167, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

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    Keywords

    Farm Management; Production Economics;

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