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Simple Solutions Are Cost-Effective!:
The next four tip sheets were written for small fresh-market vegetable farms, where
produce is sold without processing, directly to stores, restaurants, or consumers. For
these four items, researchers from the University of Wisconsin Biological Systems
Engineering Department made estimates of costs, profit improvements, and work hours
affected. As you can see, each improvement gives a lot of bang for the buck.
ESTIMATED WORK FORCE AND LABOR HOURS AFFECTED BY FOUR
INNOVATIONS ON A TWO-ACRE MARKET VEGETABLE OPERATION
| Innovation |
Percent of Work Force Affected |
Percent of Work Hours Affected |
Possibility of Profit Improvement |
Start-Up Cost |
| Net bag wash system |
60% |
10-20% |
High |
$24 (six bags) |
| Standard containers |
75-95% |
10-20% |
Medium-high |
$120 (12 containers) |
Pallets and
hand truck |
80% |
20-50% |
High to very high |
$750 (75 pallets & truck) |
| Packing line layout |
75-95% |
15-25% |
Low to medium |
$150-$400 |
SOURCE: All data are best estimates based on field observations and professional
judgment of project staff.
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Simple Solutions Are Cost-Effective!
(53 pages, 1.49MB)