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Prospective Lettuce Harvest Mechanization: Impact on Labor1


The objective of this study was to assess likely impacts of mechanization of lettuce harvest on farm workers. Two machine-harvest systems were selected to represent mechanization of both the regular and wrap pack. Commercial returns in the form of cost savings over the hand systems were estimated for the regular pack and for the wrap pack. As an illustration, a low rate of adoption of the machines was assumed, i.e., 5% adoption starting in 1980, followed by an increase to 25% from 1985 on.
The impact on harvest jobs, for the example, was estimated at 1.56% reduction at 5% machine adoption and 7.80% reduction at 25% adoption. New positions created were estimated to be equal or higher in skill requirements than those replaced. The work environment was considered to be less arduous and more conducive to increased worker longevity on the job, plus opening certain positions to older men and women.
Discounted total returns over time to public and private research expenditures were estimated to be high. External effects of mechanization may be greatest in job transitions of displaced workers.