Agro Perspectiva

The 2024 Interpoma Award showcases digital technologies for sustainable orchard management

Interpoma, the international apple trade fair held between November 21 and 23 at Fiera Bolzano, will reward digital technologies supporting orchards’ sustainable management. Applications are open and will close on 30 September.

The orchard of the future will take center stage during the 2024 Interpoma Award. The Award is a joint endeavor of Fiera Bolzano and the Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences of the Free University of Bolzano supported by SOI, the Italian Vegetable, Flowers and Fruit Society. The award will be given during Interpoma, the world’s only trade show dedicated exclusively to apples, planned from November 21 to 23 at Fiera Bolzano. Applications are open until September 30 and the jury will choose the winners among digital technologies markedly promoting sustainable orchard management which reduce the need for crop protection products and fertilizers as well as the orchards’ carbon footprint.

Thomas Mur, President of Fiera Bolzano: “The European Green Deal is a roadmap which presents considerable challenges to farmers and growers across the European Union. The EU’s program aims to significantly scale back the use of phytosanitary products and drastically reduce the allowed active substances. The apple industry should not and cannot meet these developments unprepared. That is why our Interpoma Award focuses on digital technologies and their incredible untapped potential in our industry. The award will also double as a showcase and incubator of innovative ideas and projects.”

Participating projects will be evaluated by a jury chaired by Massimo Tagliavini, Professor at the Free University of Bolzano. The expert panel further comprises Luigi Manfrini from the University of Bologna, Katrin Janik from the Laimburg Research Centre, Fabrizio Mazzetto from the Free University of Bolzano, and Claudia Notarnicola from Eurac Research’s Institute for Earth Observation.

The winners will be revealed on Friday, November 22, at the end of the Interpoma Congress’ second day. The prize consists in a “visibility package” which includes being named in the Fiera Bolzano official press release sent to the entire media database of the international fruit and vegetable industry; being mentioned in the Interpoma newsletter; a professionally shot video published on Facebook and YouTube; a professional photoshoot; and more.