By Jamie Martin
The Tomato industry in Florida, long dependent on manual labor, might soon undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of new machine-harvestable tomato varieties by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). This development could revolutionize tomato harvesting by reducing labor costs and improving efficiency.
Jessica Chitwood-Brown, a tomato breeder at UF/IFAS, highlighted the strenuous nature of traditional tomato harvesting and the global need for more sustainable solutions. The new varieties developed under the guidance of former breeders Jay Scott and Sam Hutton feature characteristics like jointless pedicels that detach easily, eliminating the need for staking and making them ideal for mechanical picking.
Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee, expressed cautious optimism about the shift toward mechanization. The key concern for growers is whether the savings in labor and input costs will offset potential yield reductions compared to traditional methods.
With large-scale field trials slated for this spring and machine-harvest prototypes expected for testing next year, the industry awaits these developments eagerly. These advancements promise not only to enhance operational efficiencies but also to potentially reshape the entire agricultural landscape of Florida.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-bastetamn
Categories: National