How do you automate?

The LEAP (Labor, Efficiency, Automation, Production) Team is working with producers to better understand how automation can help address labor issues and contribute to their production capacity and bottom line. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, in partnership with the University of Florida, N.C. State University, Oregon State University, Texas A&M University and the USDA, and with guidance from an Advisory Board of industry professionals, is conducting research about nursery labor challenges and consideration of, and transition to, automation.

The LEAP Team is seeking input from nursery owners and managers — whose primary business is a wholesale production nursery — to better understand the industry’s labor issues, as well as current and prospective use of automation.

Growers are asked to help improve the team’s understanding of nursery automation needs, constraints, and opportunities by completing an online survey, which will take about 20 minutes.

LINK TO SURVEY: https://utk.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9F7lM7riJPq7pqe