CALIFORNIA - December marks the finalization of table grape harvests across California’s Central Valley, making it a momentous month all on its own. But what’s on the mind of table grape growers across the Golden State is not just what’s in store for next season, but how to invest in the research and development of innovative production practices to benefit the future of the industry.

“Investment in increasing table grape production efficiency is an effort that growers have undertaken collaboratively since 1972 and one that continues via the California Table Grape Commission in collaboration with universities, growers, and private/start-up companies,” elaborated Ross Jones, the commission's Chief Science and Technology Officer. “One area where this effort focuses today is advancements in mechanization and automation; California table grape growers work toward improving mechanized and automated functions of the table grape growing and harvesting process to benefit the industry, the farmworkers and their communities, and consumers.”

Ian LeMay, CTGC’s incoming President, added, “By embracing mechanization and automation, production costs can be reduced while efficiency and productivity are increased,” during his testimony at the California Department of Food and Agriculture board meeting in February 2024.

“Advancements in the areas of mechanization and automation will not only increase table grape production efficiency, they will increase harvesting efficiency as well,” Ross explained. “Such is the case with automatic/autonomous carts to move grape boxes out of vineyard rows after they have been picked and ease a certain level of physical labor. In addition to a reduction in the physicality of the labor, new production systems, and new tools bring opportunities for advanced skill training for workers.”

As any table grape grower knows, table grapes are a labor-intensive crop, requiring hand picking and hand packing performed by a well-trained and discerning workforce.

“Research and development projects organized by the commission include evaluating an advanced production system that includes using battery-powered pruning and tying tools, permanent canopy covers, weed mats, and underground drip irrigation; a crop estimation, monitoring, and disease detection sensor; a grape sensor that non-destructively measures maturity attributes; and equipment for early-season mechanical canopy management. All are key to producing a successful crop for growers and consumers alike,” Ross said.

While newly mechanized and automated operations may make the table grape vineyard of tomorrow look different from today’s, inspiring and fostering innovation is not new to the California table grape industry. As the commission knows well, the industry has long worked to refine its practices and operations to grow grapes efficiently and provide a beautiful, healthy, and delicious product season after season.