In just a few hours, Andrea Rossi, technician for Consorzio Agrario Adriatico, received a lot of requests regarding anti-rain nets, so much so that he organised a tour of the businesses with cherry and kiwi orchards protected by nets.
Anti-hail net (photo by Andrea Rossi)
"Nets can be installed that protect against rain, hail and Drosophila. Of course the orchard must be suitable. It is the ideal solution to guarantee total protection, but it does mean operations must be carried out under the net in case of multiple harvests."
Anti-rain, hail and insect net put in place by Consorzio Agrario Adriatico
If only an anti-rain and anti-hail net is needed, then a traditional net is enough. All core operations are carried out under nets, as usual with anti-hail protections.
Often, growers fear the high costs but, if they're able to set up the nets themselves, then costs are much lower. Nets are much easier to put up than an anti-hail system. The various Rural Development Plans do set up contributions, but they're not easy to access.
"This year too, we are setting up various orchard protection systems - from traditional anti-hail nets to those against insects and the rain. But there is no solution that fits all. Each system must be suitable to the type of produce grown and also depends on sales channels and agronomic management. Where possible, we try to adapt anti-hail nets to reduce costs."
Contacts:
Technical Dept.
Consorzio Agrario Adriatico
Tel.: (+39) 0547 633540
Email: a.rossi@consorzioagrario.it
Web: www.consorzioagrario.it