LEAP for Nursery Crops Sustainability

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 North Carolina Agricultural Research Service in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University is partnering with The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Florida, Oregon State University, Tennessee State University, Texas A&M University, and the USDA with guidance from an Advisory Board of industry professionals is conducting research about nursery labor challenges overcome by automation adoption. 

​Virtual Automation Tour

With generous support from the USDA and the partnership of Decker's Nursery and Panoramic Farm, we created a suite of videos showcasing  automation and efficient use of labor. Check out our 'Virtual Nursery Automation Tours' link to see firsthand the potential for automation and related technologies at your nursery.

Nursery Labor and Automation Listening Sessions

Growers from across the U.S. shared their views on labor constraints and challenges, and the opportunity that automation affords to optimize their work force during a series of regional listening sessions. Stay tuned for a compilation of their priorities for addressing this pervasive nursery industry issue.

Thank you for visiting The LEAP Project website!  
​For more information contact either Anthony LeBude, NC State University,or Amy Fulcher, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee