Interesting market trend also in North Africa

With the growing demand for low residue fruit and vegetables, mechanical weeders are becoming an increasingly important part of the market. Alessandro Calderoni of the Calderoni Rolando company in Forli, Italy, reviews the state of play, pointing to a market with unexpected developments.

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"Over the past 12 months, we have seen strong overseas demand for our equipment, including our inter-row tillage. Many countries saw a double-digit growth, but North Africa is expanding rapidly, particularly Moroccan, Tunisian and Algerian markets"

This shows that in these fruit-growing regions, the use of mechanization rather than chemicals is gaining ground. The agronomic benefits of mechanical weeding are numerous: no chemical weeding, aerated soil, less competition between weeds and crops, more water available for the crop.

Alessandro Calderoni will be present with a stand at Macfrut (Hall A1 - Stand 110)

The other most popular products are our special machines. The Bio Rotor, for example, can replace chemical weeding. It works in the rows of orchards and vineyards, cutting the grass with plastic wires. It works at very high speeds and is also suitable for hilly areas.

"In a market that is increasingly restricting chemical weed control," concludes Calderoni, "mechanical orchard management is becoming essential to preserve the crop and meet the low residue requirements imposed by the European large-scale retail trade market.