Science in Our Valley: Tree Fruit Automation and the Regional Labor Market

The Spring 2020 Science in Our Valley seminar series kicks off on February 5^th featuring the research of WSU Center for Impact economist, Dr. Tim Nadreau. Dr. Nadreau has done research on the projected impact of automation in agricultural practices on the local labor and workforce needs in the near future.
Dr. Nadreau’s seminar, “Tree Fruit Automation and the Regional Labor Market,” will begin at 4 p.m. at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center.

As almost anyone in North Central Washington can observe, automation and robotics have been moving in on the local tree fruit operations. Across the nation, and right here in our own backyard, the industry is changing the way tree fruit laborers are utilized in everyday operations, from harvest, to packing and inspection, to distribution. Dr. Nadreau’s research evaluated the projected timelines and relative impacts of this transformation on the tree fruit agricultural workforce in North Central Washington.

About Science in Our Valley Seminar Series

The science seminars are free to attend, open to the community, and great opportunity to learn about the incredible research in our own backyard. The content is intended for a ‘science-based’ audience, including researchers, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, undergraduate scientists, K-12 educators and science enthusiasts. This spring’s line-up is quite diverse, and features topics from: reproductive health, forestry and environment, technology in agriculture, and even native bees.

The full list of presenters and details can be found: https://applestemnetwork.org/science-in-our-valley/

K-12 Educators are also encouraged to attend the seminars to learn about local career connections and research efforts that they can bring back to their students. Ten STEM clock hours are available through the North Central Educational Service District for educators who attend the series. Educators can register for clock-hours here: https://www.pdenroller.org/catalog/event/101582

The Science in Our Valley seminar series began in October 2017 as a way for local scientists and science educators to bring their research to the community and as a way to engage and connect with one another. The series features presentations by local scientists and science educators as well as guests from outside the region.

Host organizations include the Apple STEM Network, the North Central Educational Service District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Station, WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, Wenatchee Valley College and the Bridge Research and Innovation District.

All events are open to the public, and run from 4 to 5 p.m. and will be held at the WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center on Wednesdays from 4-5 P.M. (1100 N. Western Ave., Wenatchee).