The world’s only trade fair dedicated exclusively to the apple sector returns to South Tyrol in November 2024, with a sharp focus on new technology
New breeding technologies and digital technologies for orchards are at the core of the next edition of Interpoma, the world’s only trade show dedicated exclusively to the apple business.
The biannual event, which takes place in Bolzano, Italy, on 21-23 November, brought together 490 exhibitors from 18 different countries for its last meeting in 2022, when more than 16,000 visitors from 70 different countries headed to South Tyrol for the show.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome the 13th edition of Interpoma,” says Thomas Mur, director of event organiser Fiera Bolzano. “We never lost sight of our main goal – to focus on the apple industry in its entirety, paying attention to technological advances over the years. This edition will not disappoint as it will explore the apple orchards of the future, brand-new digital solutions and new production strategies.”
Cutting-edge technology and sustainable agriculture have become key considerations for apple producers around the world in recent years. So the orchard of the future is Interpoma 2024’s key theme, spanning digital innovations, artificial intelligence, and much more. Exhibitors will demonstrate new ways to enhance production, harvesting, and quality assessment of apples during production.
On day one of the Interpoma Congress, Thomas Letschka from the Laimburg Experimental Centre will chair a panel discussion on the future potential impact of developments in new varieties.
The session will involve genome editing expert Ania Lukasiewicz of Wageningen University and Research, breeding technology specialist Giovanni Broggini of ETC Zürich, and Neal Carter from Canadian group Okanagan Specialty Fruits, which genetically engineered a pair of non-browning varieties now marketed under the Arctic brand. Also taking part will be market experts Angela Bearth of HF Partners and Jan Plagge of Bioland.
Day two is all about digital solutions in orchards. Luigi Manfrini from the University of Bologna will chair a panel comprising Alexandre Escolà Agustí of Universitat de Lleida, Ken Breen of Plant & Food Research, Steve Mantle of innov8.ag, Ian Goodwin of Agriculture Victoria in Australia, Konni Biegert from Kompetenzzentrum Obstbau Bodensee (Germany), and Walter Guerra of the Laimburg Experimental Centre.
Guerra, who is responsible for coordinating the Interpoma Congress programme, will will talk about how the use of integrated sensors and data can boost an orchard’s efficiency. And that’s just one of several topics – spanning precision agriculture, data, machine learning, and smart mapping – that will enhance the audience’s knowledge of orchard management.
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