For this reason many crops are also hand sorted and placed in shipment containers even though mechanical grading and sizing machines expedite several functions within the packing operation. The supply of laborers to perform these operations has shifted from local people to imported laborers. Growers usually contract for labor on an annual basis through a labor contractor or by direct contact with the labor crew chief. At the end of the season, laborers move to another area that needs their services or they return to their native land. Supplies of fresh vegetables depend heavily on imported labor to produce and harvest the crops.
Marketing is a key component in developing any sustainable vegetable operation.
Produce is generally moved from the field to the consumer in large vol-umes through suppliers to the various grocery chains. This is because the companies can control their own harvesting and processing schedules rather than waiting on the schedule of an independent producer. Vegetables destined to be sold as fresh market items are placed in packages of various sizes and weight that can be palletized and easily transported. Because consumers expect to buy fresh items all year long, a producer who plans to sell through such outlets must be prepared to provide a sufficient volume over a long enough time to interest the buyer. The buyer and grocery store manager must maintain a continuous pipeline from the field to the grocery shelf.