Kendra’s country is known for its fruit products, but before the fresh fruit can be made into candies, jams, and juices, a lot is lost due to pests, weather, and damage during shipping. Recently, however, researchers discovered a better way to transport the fruit that cut down on waste by 11 percent. This is an example of ______

a. an increase in productivity
b. a rise in the standard of living
c. sustained economic growth
d. diminishing marginal returns

a. an increase in productivity