[Mrs. Don-o]

I used to work for the United Farm WSorkers (yes, Cesar Chavez' Union: and even years ago, we knew very well that UC Davis had developed prototype mechanized harvest equipment for every commercially-grown crop in Califrnia. Years ago.

Most of it was not being utilized, and still isn't. because it was very expensive, and labor was too cheap for the machinery to be cost-effective.

But now?

Bring on the machines. Seriously, it's time for a farm machinery revolution.

[Loyal Sedition]

I clearly recall reading an article, late 80’s, in the San Jose Mercury News.
It stated that funding for final development of tomato harvesting machinery was being pulled due to pressure from the Chavez/Union folk.

Stated the equipment was almost perfected.

That’s over twenty years ago, modern computer capability should have helped to advance the speed and capabilities of such equipment.
Cost should now be lower too, time for “Made in China” to finally yield some actual benefit!