Banner Netafim at the HVK Apple Symposium

Netafim at the HVK Apple Symposium

“This symposium represents a significant milestone in our press to promote sustainable agricultural production in our industry and region. It is an important step in our continuous effort to bridge the gap in apple production practices.” Johan Naude, chairman of HVK (Hoogland Vrugtekwekersvereniging) welcomed delegates to the 2023 HVK apple symposium with these words.

He added that the goal of the symposium is to stimulate fruitful discussions and shift the focus to those aspects that are in the farmer’s control. “We must not worry about things we cannot control, let’s focus on doing the things we can control right,” he said.

For Netafim, the highlight of the symposium was Netafim Product Manager, Jerry Austen’s presentation on frost mitigation. He shared theory around frost occurrence and frost mitigation, and how sprinklers can be used to protect trees against this risk.

Watch the presentation now:

 

One of the many high-level presenters was Nelius Kapp of Soil2Root. He emphasised that there is a shift in the type of rootstocks used and towards high-density orchards. “This is all part of the industry’s efforts towards increased fruit quality.” He reminded farmers that farming practices, especially nutrition and irrigation, must be adapted accordingly.

Other topics included an overview on the shot-hole borer beetle, pre-harvest conditions and post-harvest quality, insights into the past growing season and much more.

Have a look and a few photo highlights from the event: