Strategies used by nurseries to address their labor shortfall as determined by a survey of decision-makers representing the US nursery industry conducted in 2021 and asking about practices used in 2020 to assess automated, semiautomated, and mechanized nursery technologies (AMTs) to elicit a better understanding of nursery approaches to the challenges presented by persistent labor scarcity.
Knoxville, TN - A new study sheds light on how the nursery industry is adapting to a persistent labor shortage through the adoption of automation technologies. By surveying current strategies and technology adoption levels, the research highlights practical solutions that can help growers address workforce challenges and maintain productivity.
Labor shortages have become a critical issue for the nursery industry, with fewer workers available to meet growing demands for ornamental plants. This study reveals that automation offers a path forward, enabling growers to streamline operations, reduce labor reliance, and improve efficiency, while also reducing physical strain due to the demands of the job for nursery workers.
Key strategies include the integration of automated systems for tasks like potting, watering, pruning, spraying, inventory, and harvesting and loading. These technologies not only alleviate labor constraints but also provide consistency in quality and allow the scarce work force to be re-allocated from tedious, repetitive tasks to those that are more enjoyable and less physically demanding. Despite the benefits, the study also acknowledges barriers such as high upfront costs, for both the equipment and its installation and the need to coordinate these large investments with succession planning.
The research emphasizes the importance of industry mentoring, Extension-guided field days and demonstrations, unbiased ROIs, and federal funding for development of new,accessible technologies. By doing so, the nursery sector can overcome workforce shortages while maintaining its critical role in the U.S. agriculture economy.
