ABOUT US
INTRODUCTION
ORCHARD PROTECTION SOLUTIONS is a business born out of the necessity in the KZN Midlands for a dedicated installer of quality and conditions specific agricultural cover structures.
It was apparent at the time of inception that local farmers were battling to procure the services of installers generally based out of province and that traditional installation methods did not necessarily suit local conditions with regards to hail and snow loading experienced in some farming districts.
OUR STORY THUS FAR
Having been in the infrastructure service industry for some 36 years the resources were readily available to embark into a diversified field.
In addition, being involved in small scale farming for the past 9 years in the Underberg district has seen experience gained in the requirements of farming activities and the constraints experienced in actually working in and around cover structures.
The journey which led to arriving at the concept for a overload relief system started with a request from a local Underberg Kwazulu Natal blueberry farmer to construct a cover for a new orchard.
The reason for him talking to us was that he was unhappy with the installation of a previous structure which experienced a collapse during a hail storm shortly after completion.
This has led to a journey forging relationships with farmers requiring assistance with cover for amongst other Avocados , Kiwi Fruit, Macadamias and General nursery cover installations.
THE DESIGN
Being aware of the potential failure which can be experienced due to structural overload from hail and also snow packing on the cover and experience in erecting similar structures, a design to improve on current installation methods and to introduce an overload relief system to counter the risk of failure of the structure or cover fabric was conceived.
Testing and research was undertaken and designs adjusted to be applicable for various crop requirements.
To date successful installations have been developed and installed for Berry orchards , Avocado and Macadamia coverings as well as a Kiwi fruit system incorporating a vine support pergola matrix.
Design and support spacing adjusted to specific crops and terrain requirements.