Mechanized Harvest Critical for Ag’s Future

Speaking to the House Ag Committee, California Farm Bureau Paul Wenger said investment in mechanized harvesting of specialty crops is critical.

“Specialized equipment, robotics and other tools can help offset the growing labor shortage.”

Research to develop machines to harvest and to develop plants that can be harvested mechanically can take several years.

Wenger said that timeframe no longer makes sense.

“We no longer have the luxury to wait decades for similar innovations. Significant investment in plant breeding, mechanical engineering and broadband is required today.”

Tomatoes are one of the few crops that have mechanical harvesting available, with work being done on tree fruit and other crops.