Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 8.26
Herbicide sprayer
used on newly planted trees.
Trees passed between the two
shielded hoods. This machine
is used until the trees are 2-3
years old. (©Searle)
nut per day using only one man. This high degree of mechanisation, combined with
the economies of scale, means that one man can look after 30-40 ha of macadamia
plantation (Figs.
8.28
and
8.29
).
The continuing cost pressures are likely to maintain the move to large macada-
mia “plantations” and while they will continue to share some of the traditional char-
acteristics of plantation crops, sub-tropical/tropical locations, single crop focus and
an emphasis on the economies of scale unlike traditional plantations, they are likely
to be characterised by the use of a small, highly specialised, well paid workforce.
Conclusion—The Evolution of Plantations
The term plantation, although still loosely defined, is far removed from the tradi-
tional association of crops grown on a large scale using low skilled, low cost or at
its worst slave labour. Plantation crops are now defined by their scale, efficiency
and specialised production techniques using a skilled work force as described in the
case studies.
Corporate owned and managed plantations are increasingly striving toward safe
working environments linked with economic and environmental sustainability. Con-
sumers are increasingly becoming drivers of agricultural practices (Tuckermanty
et al.
2002
). Organisations such as the Fairtrade Foundation (http://www.fairtrade.
org.uk) seek to influence consumer choice by offering a certification structure that
transforms trading structures in favour of third world producers. Corporate planta-
tion owners such as Dole, Great Giant Pineapple, Chiquita and Cargill are increas-
ing their presence electronically on the internet and interacting with consumers
via
social media to assure consumers of their sustainability and ethical production
standards.
