Machines and Technology at Fruit Focus 2010

Working demos, new machinery and growing technology will be prevalent at Fruit Focus 2010 at East Malling Research, Kent, on 21st July 2010. A live demonstration arena showing the latest machinery and equipment in action, including tractors, soft and top fruit sprayers and bed formers.

Growing systems
Agrovista will be exhibiting the new Fruitwise HyGro Vertical Growing Systems which is a new and unique system that effectively utilises the vertical space in the growing area to increase plant density and production whilst being environmentally kind. Seen as the “next generation of commercially viable coir-substrate based growing systems”, it is engineered to optimise valuable growing space without compromising performance in production and fruit quality.

“The Fruitwise system is founded on sound agronomic principles and having undergone extensive trials under rigorous commercial conditions, it has proved a compelling alternative to conventional hydroponic growing methods,” said Nick Rainsley, Marketing Director, Agrovista UK Ltd.

Simon Brett, the leading polymer specialist will be on the Gromax trade stand to launch the latest polymer mulching films. “The gro-clean bio mulching film is not only biodegradable but also 100% compostable and organically certified,” he said.  “The main aim with this product is to eliminate disposal costs on films for growers.”

Tractors and machinery
Growers specialising in soft and top fruit, as well as vineyards, needing a compact but heavy-duty tractor will find a new version of the Rex model at local Landini dealers. Due to be launched at Fruit Focus, engineers at the Argo Tractors development centre in Italy have subjected the Rex to a fine-tooth comb redesign. The previous range leading 99hp Rex 105 has been replaced by the 110 model with 102hp and more torque from its latest-spec Perkins engine.

“The new versions of the Rex are easily identified by the restyled hood design, which has a larger cooling air intake area, and the rectangular instead of round front lights,” notes Landini specialist Eamon Howden. “Underneath, though, it’s ‘original Rex’ with many refinements improving an already successful package.”

There are three build variations: ‘F’ is the narrow model for small orchards and narrow-spaced trees; the ‘GE’ is a little wider but lower; and the ‘GT’ has a stance that gives it good stability for work in fields and more open orchards.

For the first time in the UK the new Claas Nexos will be on display, the narrow width and ELIOS tractor ranges that were launched late last year. In addition, Claas will also be displaying the unique Cam Pilot row-following steering system.

Storage
Goplasticpallets.com, the UK’s leading independent supplier of plastic pallets and boxes, is showcasing a variety of plastic field to pack-house products. Hygienic fruit crates, soft fruit trays and boxes that nest, stack and fold. The event will mark the first occasion Goplasticpallets.com has exhibited to the fruit industry in the UK and it hopes to encourage more growers to switch from their traditional corrugated and cardboard packaging to plastic.

Russell Smith, Goplasticpallets.com’s plastic box specialist, said: “Maintaining the quality of produce throughout the distribution process, from the field to the pack house, is vitally important to the fruit industry. Plastic boxes and pallets offer many advantages for the transportation and storage of all types of fresh produce. They are more hygienic than other alternatives, with no nails, splinters or contamination issues; longer lasting; easy to clean and dry; weather-resistant; 100% size and weight consistent; environmentally friendly, and their durability ensures a sound financial investment.”

Green Polytunnels
The UK’s only remaining large-scale manufacturer of horticultural films, bpi.visqueen, will show its wide range of technically advanced products and will announce the progress of an on-going £5 million investment project at the manufacturer’s Ardeer site which is due to complete later this year. The 12-month project will see the construction of two new extrusion halls and the addition of a new, state-of-the-art, five-layer wide film line. This line, possibly the only one of its kind in the world, will allow bpi.visqueen to offer products such as polytunnel films and greenhouse films.

bpi.visqueen also continues to work closely with its sister division bpi.recycled products to help growers operate in a greener way. As the largest re-processor of waste polythene in Europe, bpi.recycled products can recycle over 70,000 tonnes of material each year, including scrap from unwanted polytunnels and crop covers. Together, the two divisions of British Polythene Industries (BPI) plc will be promoting their ability to help growers operate in a more eco-sensitive way by keeping reusable polythene in circulation - and out of landfill.

Sian Miles, Environmental and Materials Director at bpi.recycled products said: “bpi.recycled products have close ties to UK agriculture. We understand the challenges faced by the agricultural industry and we’re currently keen to help more growers with their recycling activity. Our commitment is such that we’re now taking the message about our offer and our expertise out on the road, speaking to the growing community face to face. There’s no better place to do that than at Fruit Focus 2010.”

Tickets for Fruit Focus are available free of charge by registering through the event website at www.fruitfocus.co.uk.  Visitors will also earn points for attending: 3 NRoSO points and 3 BASIS points.

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Contact for more information:
Jane Craigie
Tel: 01466 780078
Mob: 07795 278767
Email: jane@janecraigie.com

Notes to Editors
Fruit Focus 2010:
• Fruit Focus takes place on 21stJuly 2010, at East Malling, Kent.  Opening times are 9am – 4pm.
• Show features include leading suppliers’ stands, crop plots, a live demonstration area, the  NFU and Syngenta Bioline Fruit Forums, fruit research farm tours and the Vines to Wine exhibition and seminar programme
• Key sponsors are the NFU, Berry Gardens and Syngenta Bioline
• Fresh Produce Journal is the event media partner
• Fruit Focus is organised and presented by Haymarket Business Exhibitions and supported by Horticulture Week/Grower
• Fruit Focus is registered for BASIS and NRoSO CPD points.  Point allocation is:
       o 3 NRoSO CPD points.
       o 3 BASIS points. Points allocation: 1 x crop protection, 1 x environment, 1 x application
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