Florida Citrus growers say the recent crackdown on illegal immigration is increasing the market wage rates necessary to get their oranges picked. Some are turning to $100-$300k mechanical harvesters known as the trunk, shake, and catch pickers that vigorously shake oranges from trees. If widely adopted, what will be the effect on the demand for human orange pickers? Do you think this will reduce illegal immigration to the US? What will be the impact on citrus prices?
Here are some links to the stories about mechanical harvesters:
https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/berries/mechanical-blueberry-harvesting-can-save-on-labor/
https://www.growingproduce.com/vegetables/mechanical-harvesting-for-leafy-greens/
https://www.growingproduce.com/vegetables/mechanical-harvesting-for-leafy-greens/
https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/picking-wine-grapes-by-machine-means-better-efficiency-with-no-loss-in-quality/
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