Haygrove has joined forces with VOEN, the tree and grape covering manufacturers.

The two companies plan to collaborate on a worldwide basis, with Haygrove managing the marketing and distribution of the VOEN covering system.

VOEN is a device designed to give rain, hail and wind protection for mature cherry trees planted in single rows spaced three to four metres between rows - the common tree growing system in Europe and most parts of the world.

The system is based around the plastic covering itself, which deploys plastic flaps stitched onto a hail net base. The flaps self-vent in light breezes or through warm air convention rising, keeping the crops cool without the need for manual venting required traditionally in tunnel systems.

“The system is covered at the beginning of the season and not touched for the duration of the season,” VOEN founder Reinhard Vorhringer explained. “This means that the system does not require labour input often scarce on top fruit farms for wind or temperature venting.”

The self-venting nature of the structure also means that crops are kept cool and enable cherry, nectarine, peach, plum or grape growers to pursue later and often more lucrative harvesting periods for their crops. For growers seeking early harvest, the self-venting plastic can be replaced with a solid plastic material that retains heat and accelerates crop growth.

In addition to the VOEN system Haygrove also provides a specialist machine for applying and removing the plastic covers at the beginning and end of the season.

Haygrove technicians will train growers in the construction and management of the VOEN system.

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