The results from Royal Tioga’s solar canopy project in the south of France have been very positive

Thanks to protection systems against adverse weather conditions, the first Royal Tioga cherries are already reaching the shelves. This early production gives growers a significant economic advantage, with markedly higher prices at the start of the season.

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These are the first cherries of the season, a variety called Royal Tioga. The secret behind this early harvest: the cherry trees are protected from wind and bad weather, climatic factors that can be devastating for this fruit. Patrick Bolfa, orchard grower at Reart Vallée, explains: “Every year there was a climatic risk. That is why shade nets are useful, because they protect against rain, but also against wind.”

Early and profitable production

Cherry trees laden with fruit as early as April 14. Production amounts to around 50 tonnes. This earliness allows the company to achieve significant margins. “Producing early is positive because there are fewer operators on the market, so there is less competition. This allows us to obtain higher prices. At the moment, for example, we can sell cherries at 14 or 12 euros per kilo, while later on we will sell them at 6 or 5 euros per kilo. So it is much more advantageous to have them at this time of the season,” says Franck Bolfa, orchard grower.

Source: www.franceinfo.fr

Image source: Stefano Lugli

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