Perceptions of Precision Agriculture Technologies in the U.S. Fresh Apple Industry

Authors

R. Karina Gallardo
Kara Grant, George Fox UniversityFollow
David J. Brown
James R. McFerson
Karen M. Lewis
Todd Einhorn
Mario Miranda Sazo

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Abstract

Advances in precision agriculture technologies provide opportunities to improve the efficiency of agricultural production systems, especially for high-value specialty crops such as fresh apples (Malus domestica). We distributed an online survey to apple growers in Washington, New York, and Michigan to elicit stakeholder perceptions of precision agriculture technologies. Findings from this study demonstrated that growers are willing to adopt precision agriculture technologies when they receive results from applied research projects and are engaged with active extension programs. The availability of customized services and purchasing and rental options may minimize the effects of the economies of size that create barriers to adopting increasing access to technologies. Finally, respondents deemed collaborative efforts between industry and academic institutions crucial for adapting the innovation to better address the needs of growers.

Comments

Originally published in HortTechnology, Volume 29, Issue 2, pp. 151-162, (2019).

DOI: 10.21273/horttech04214-18

Recommended Citation

Gallardo, R. Karina; Grant, Kara; Brown, David J.; McFerson, James R.; Lewis, Karen M.; Einhorn, Todd; and Sazo, Mario Miranda, "Perceptions of Precision Agriculture Technologies in the U.S. Fresh Apple Industry" (2019). Faculty Publications - College of Business. 144.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/gfsb/144