Moderators:
The aim of the workshop is to identify innovative technical and technological approaches developed by researchers for the apple orchards of the future
The arboriculture sector is facing growing challenges of a technical but also economic and societal nature. Declining use of plant protection products is forcing the European apple-growing industry into situations that are increasingly becoming technical impasses. Yields in European orchards are stagnating, while emerging pests are gaining a foothold in all production areas.
There is a pressing need to devise a development strategy to create sustainable and resilient orchards by 2030.
With this in mind, the Pink Lady® Europe Association – through its PinkLAB innovation incubator – has launched a project to create an experimental network of plots on which the Rosy Glow variety will be grown in 10 European research centres located in the three producer countries: France, Italy and Spain, in order to develop innovative and practical technical and technological solutions for technicians and producers.
Based on an innovative and pioneering model, this network, which is unique in Europe, will enable the sharing and dissemination of information as part of a strategy to promote collective progress.
All issues will be addressed with variations in specific production areas: management methods, management of biotic and abiotic stresses, biological control, new digital tools, resilience to climate change, etc.
These plots will also be made available to innovative start-up partners via PinkLAB.
The aim of this workshop is to reflect on and discuss innovative and disruptive approaches that could be tested within this network over the coming years in order to develop efficient, resilient and environmentally friendly orchards that meet society's expectations.
