[harpseal]

(s)We need manual labor robotics which are affordable. Thus there will be no need for migrant labor. Its 2003 where are the robots? (/s)

As long as we H visas and subsidized outflow of capital from the USA there is neither the incentive not the capital to develop these.

[hedgetrimmer]

UC Davis developed a lettuce harvesting machine in the late 1970's. The project was shelved after the UFW and assorted politicians raised holy heck over its development. If used, it would have dramatically reduced the cost of lettuce to the consumer.