Santa Catarina farmers freeze stone fruit orchards to protect them from frost

The Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe region in Santa Catarina, Brazil, is facing significant crop loss in stone fruits such as plum, peach, and nectarine due to severe frosts. However, farmers who have implemented the spray frost control system, which involves freezing the plants to protect them from cold damage, have managed to save their crops. This method, while costly, is crucial for the region's production, given the frequent frost conditions that primarily affect early varieties. The system relies on sprinklers to create a layer of water around the plants, preventing damage from sub-zero temperatures. Despite the initial investment of R $ 20 thousand to R $ 25 thousand per hectare, the system has proven economically viable for those who can afford it and have the necessary water resources. However, not all farmers can afford the system due to its cost and the need for a reliable water source. The region, a major contributor to Santa Catarina's stone fruit production, is largely reliant on these measures to mitigate crop losses.