Mechanisation: a strategy to stay competitive

June 2013 | Written by Craig Hornblow, AgFirst | Australian Fruitgrower article

This article argues that orchard mechanisation should be viewed as a strategic response to tightening labour supply and rising labour cost. Rather than waiting for a shortage to force change, growers are encouraged to plan orchard systems that can progressively adopt labour-saving technologies.

The discussion covers the relationship between orchard architecture and mechanisation. Narrower, more uniform canopies allow better use of platforms and other equipment and can make tasks such as pruning, thinning and harvest simpler and more repeatable.

Mechanisation is presented as part of a broader competitiveness strategy. The objective is not merely to replace labour, but to raise output per worker, improve consistency and create orchard systems that can take advantage of new technology as it becomes commercially viable.