From theory to practice: at Interpoma 2026, the international apple trade fair taking place from 25 to 27 November at Fiera Bolzano, the technologies set to transform orchard management can be seen and explored first-hand at the show. Returning to the heart of the FieraMesse H1 Eventspace is The Orchard of the Future, an area dedicated to the innovations reshaping the future of apple growing.
Having introduced the theme of the digital orchard at the 2024 edition, with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence in the pre-harvest phase, in 2026 the area will turn its attention to spraying technology, the common thread running through the entire event: solutions developed to make field operations more precise, efficient and targeted, integrating automation, sensor technology and digital tools into orchard management.
In The Orchard of the Future, industry professionals will be able to get an up-close look at a wide range of technologies such as commercial-grade drones for treatment application, including on steep slopes and terrain that is difficult to reach with conventional machinery, as well as agricultural drones for precision spraying, equipped with targeted dosing systems, autonomous route planning, RTK positioning and obstacle detection.
Alongside aerial applications, the area will also feature electronic systems, components and tools for the control, measurement and calibration of spraying, as well as smart spraying technologies based on multispectral sensors, controlled valves and algorithms capable of reading vegetation in real time and automatically adjusting the quantity and points of distribution.
The showcase will also include UV-C light-based solutions, used through controlled exposure to stimulate the plant’s natural defence mechanisms and combat pathogens, with the aim of reducing the need for plant protection treatments.
The technologies on display come from a range of European countries and reflect the diversity of approaches: agricultural drone and precision spraying systems from Italy, UV-C technology from France, together with solutions developed jointly by Italy and Austria in the field of smart, sensor-based spraying.
Visitors’ Choice Award: visitors have their say too
The Orchard of the Future will also be a space for direct engagement with trade professionals. Following the success of the previous edition, the Visitors’ Choice Award returns, offering show visitors an opportunity to vote for the most interesting technologies on display within the H1 area.
The accolade will run alongside the Interpoma Award presented by the technical jury, bringing the perspective of those who actually need to understand and use these technologies in the field directly into the evaluation of innovation.
Companies developing innovative solutions in this sphere can still find out more about opportunities to take part in The Orchard of the Future and how to exhibit their technology within the dedicated area: The Orchard of the Future – Interpoma 2026
Interpoma 2026 takes place from 25 to 27 November at Fiera Bolzano.
Tickets to visit the show and take part in the scheduled events are available online on the official website: https://www.fierabolzano.it/en/interpoma
Fonte: Interpoma 2026
