Florida Citrus growers say the recent crackdown on illegal immigration is increasing the market wage rates necessary to get their oranges picked. Some are turning to $100-$300k mechanical harvesters known as trunk, shake and catch pickers which vigorously shake oranges from trees. The same machines are also used for other produces such as blueberries and salad greens. If widely adopted, what will be the effect on the demand for human pickers? Do you think this will reduce the illegal immigration to the US? What will be the impact on produce prices?

Here are some links to the stories about mechanical harvesters:

http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-fi-farm-mechanization/

Blueberry harvesting with machines

Mechanical Harvesters used in Leafy Greens Harvesting

www.growingproduce.com/vegetables/mechanical-harvesting-for-leafy-greens/