From theory to practice: at Interpoma 2026, the international apple industry trade fair taking place from 25 to 27 November at Fiera Bolzano, technologies designed to transform apple orchard management will be showcased and explored in depth directly at the event. The Orchard of the Future will once again take centre stage at the FieraMesse H1 Eventspace, the area dedicated to innovations shaping the future of apple growing.
After introducing the concept of the digital apple orchard at the 2024 edition, with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence in the pre-harvest phase, the 2026 edition will focus on spraying technologies, which will provide the common thread throughout the event. These solutions are designed to make field applications more precise, efficient and targeted by integrating automation, sensors and digital tools into orchard management.
At The Orchard of the Future, industry professionals will be able to explore a wide range of technologies. Confirmed solutions include professional drones for treatment applications, including on steep slopes and in areas that are difficult to access using conventional equipment, as well as agricultural drones for precision spraying, equipped with targeted dosing systems, autonomous route planning, RTK positioning and obstacle detection.
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In addition to aerial applications, the area will feature electronic systems, components and instruments for spraying control, measurement and calibration, as well as sensor-based smart spraying technologies using multispectral sensors, controlled valves and algorithms capable of analysing vegetation in real time and automatically adjusting application rates and distribution points.
The exhibition will also include solutions based on UV-C light, which is applied through controlled exposure to stimulate the plant’s defence mechanisms and combat pathogens, with the aim of reducing the need for plant protection treatments.
The technologies on display come from different European countries and reflect a variety of approaches: Italy will present agricultural drone and precision spraying systems; France will showcase UV-C technologies; while solutions jointly developed by Italy and Austria will focus on smart, sensor-based spraying.
Visitors’ Choice Award: the visitors have their say
The Orchard of the Future will also provide an opportunity for direct interaction with professional visitors. Following the success of the previous edition, the Visitors’ Choice Award will return, allowing operators and industry professionals to vote for the most interesting application technologies showcased in the H1 area.
The award will complement the Interpoma Award, presented by a technical jury, while bringing the perspective of those who will ultimately assess and use these technologies in the field directly into the evaluation of innovation.
Companies developing innovative solutions in this field can still find out about opportunities to participate in The Orchard of the Future and the conditions for exhibiting their technology in the dedicated area: The Orchard of the Future – Interpoma 2026.
Interpoma 2026 will take place from 25 to 27 November at Fiera Bolzano. Tickets to visit the event and take part in the scheduled activities are available on the official website: Fiera Bolzano – Interpoma.
