Growers in just about every part of the country have had issues finding enough workers to plant, maintain and harvest crops. While the labor issues that have caused shortages in the field are complex and will take time to solve, new transplanting technology can make more efficient use of the labor that is available.
With Plant Tape, seeds are placed in a growing medium sandwiched between two layers of biodegradable tissue. The resulting tape is then placed on a tray where it can be stored dry or watered immediately for germination. Once germinated, growers can determine how long they allow the seedlings to grow before they transplant to the field. When ready to transplant, the tape containing the seedlings is fed into a machine that automatically plants the seedlings. The planting process requires one driver and two people to work the machine, which is significantly fewer people than the 15 to 20 workers who make up traditional transplanting crews.
More efficient labor force
The system has many benefits over traditional transplanting methods, but one of the benefits garnering the most attention is the more efficient use of workers. Not only are fewer workers required, but the crew can also cover ground in less time.
“From transplanting to harvest, there's quite a bit of movement toward automated technology,” said Caitlin Antle Wilson of Tanimura and Antle. “A lot of that has to do with labor.” Plant Tape technology was developed in Spain and acquired by Tanimura and Antle in 2014. Antle Wilson said they've been perfecting the system for the North American market over the last few years, and she expects they will reach commercialization toward the end of 2016.
The technology has garnered a lot of attention, and Tanimura and Antle recently received the 2015 Forbes Ag Innovation award for Plant Tape. Antle Wilson noted that a number of interested parties have already reached out to them about the technology. When rolled out, she believes Plant Tape can help a wide range of growers.
“I think this will have a positive impact on the industry, and not just on western vegetable growers, but also on those who grow other crops like onions or potatoes,” said Antle Wilson. “Transplanting is such a tedious, labor-intensive job, so this can only help our industry by freeing up our workers to perform in different applications.”
For more information:
Caitlin Antle Wilson
Tanimura and Antle
+1 831 455 4179