After several consecutive years of night frost damage to pears, Beck Fruit from Sint-Gillis-Waas had had enough. The decision was quickly made when they met Ernst Slabbekoorn of Swift International at the Zeeland Fruit Growing Day in Goes, where he showcased the latest innovation in Frost Fans. The Flemish fruit-growing company invested in eight Eco Boosters that can be used in combination with wind machines.
The Eco Booster generates additional heat in the orchards by burning wood pellets, while the wind machines distribute the warmth. "We hope this will provide extra heat in the orchards during the flowering period," says Micheline Beck. Last week, the Eco Boosters were delivered to the company, cultivating around 80 hectares of Conference pears. Beck Fruit already had two frost protection machines, and the Eco Boosters—regardless of brand—can be used in combination with them.
© Swift International B.V.
© Swift International B.V.
"We'll only use the Eco Boosters a few days a year during the flowering period, but not having them can lead to major damage. So for our company, after suffering several years of frost damage, it's a great solution. We weren't yet familiar with the system and hadn't heard of any experiences from fellow fruit growers, but we went ahead and ordered eight right away."
"We've known Ernst Slabbekoorn for 20 years from his time in sales, and we often spoke with him at trade fairs. The principle of the Eco Booster immediately appealed to us. It's easy to use—the system is filled with pellets and then lit. We believe the extra heat will really help us during night frosts," Micheline says.
Ernst Slabbekoorn has high hopes for the Eco Booster in combination with wind machines. "These Eco Boosters are compatible with all wind machines and are an environmentally friendly alternative to oil, paraffin, or gas-fired auxiliary heating units. The Eco Booster contains no electrical components or motors but is cleverly engineered and uses the Venturi effect."
For more information
Ernst Slabbekoorn
Swift International
(Import, distribution, sales)
sales@frostfans.eu
www.eco-booster.com