Different segments of the Specialty Crop Industry (e.g., wine/grape, citrus, apple, stone fruits, ornamentals, etc.) have created a research collective to examine common research needs. What they have found is that one of their primary industry-wide concerns is the availability, skill level, and cost of labor—their single greatest production cost—that harms their competitive position internationally.

These industries need Tools and Technologies that can improve production efficiency, product quality, post-harvest operations, and reduce their environmental footprint.They have agreed that automation, robotics, precision agriculture, sensors, and other advanced technologies are needed to help their industries and its producers become more efficient, productive, and sustainable.