With nearly 3 hectares of panels over their cherry trees, Christian Clair and his son Adrien are pioneers in the field of agrivoltaics. It’s a system they deem essential to continue producing despite the whims of the weather.
In 2018, Christian Clair and his son Adrien started looking for an adjustable rain protection system to keep producing cherries. SARL Clair cultivates cherries, apricots, pomegranates, kiwis, figs, and table grapes on around twenty hectares in Loriol-sur-Drôme.
Some of the orchards are organic. It was at Tech&bio that they discovered the Sun'agri model and saw it as the answer to what they were looking for. “The project started that day,” says Christian Clair.
The first photovoltaic installation of 0.2 hectares was set up in 2021 on old cherry trees. It wasn’t an easy task, because to install the panels, the trees had to be pruned down significantly. Despite this, “we’re seeing fewer burn problems and many more suckers under the panels, so the trees are recovering much more quickly than in the control orchard,” says Christian Clair.
A second plot of 2.7 hectares was planted in 2023 with 27 varieties of cherry trees to reduce the risk of poor responses from certain varieties.
The impact of agrivoltaics on yields has been positive. In 2023, Primulat produced 13% more than the control, and Burlat 32% more. Bigalise, however, responded less well, with a 19% yield loss. The way the panels are oriented also plays a crucial role.
Image 1: Cherry trees: a clear improvement in yields due to Sun'Agri technology.
According to tests conducted by the orchardist with his clients, the cherries are firmer under the panels, which is a positive result. The system has also protected the crops. Since the panels were installed, the farm has faced three climatic hazards:
“In the future, we won’t be able to do without this type of system,” he concludes.
Another advantage is that the modernization of the farm has encouraged the son to continue. He is so satisfied that a third project is now underway.
His advice for those tempted to try? Be patient, as the administrative side takes a long time. And don’t plant in the same year the panels are installed. “The ground gets compacted by the machinery. It’s better to till, plant grass, and wait until the next year to plant the trees,” he says.
Source: Médiafel
Images: Sun'Agri; Médiafel
11 Dec 2024
Being at an early stage with this variety, it is still too early to make a full assessment on demand and prices. “Cherry Burst™ generates a lot of interest in the market, especially among early season buyers,” explained Antonia Sánchez of Bloom Fresh.
27 Feb 2024
Low temperatures will prolong ovule viability and stigma receptivity, yet also slow pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Research shows that apple and sweet cherry pollen germination can occur with temperatures as low as 41 F, depending on genotype.
18 Sep 2026
Canada and the US settle the dispute over Staccato® cherries. Monson Fruit Company will pay past and future royalties, stop propagating new Staccato® trees through 2029 and refrain from exporting fruit outside the US through 2032, ending a six-year long legal battle.
18 Sep 2026
Centro Fruticultura Sur will host a seminar in Chillán, Chile, on protected fruit cultivation, featuring two new publications on covered cherry production and European hazelnut physiology and management, with tools to address climate variability in modern orchards.
