SOUTH Australia's Ceravolo Orchards will become the first growers in mainland Australia to grow and harvest cherries under a retractable roof.
The company is in the process of purchasing and installing a retractable roofing system to create a fully automated cover for cherry crop protection on a 2.8 hectare block within the Adelaide Hills.
It's hoped the roof will transform traditional growing techniques, increase yields and extend the growing season.
The new roofing system funded by the Coles Nurture Fund via a $500,000 interest-free loan.
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Tony Ceravolo said the loan would enable Ceravolo Orchards to allow customers access to the best quality cherries in the future.
“When it rains the crops are protected and when the weather is fine the roof opens up so the cherry trees are exposed to natural sunlight," Mr Ceravolo said.
"We are thrilled to be able to produce delicious, premium cherries knowing that we can protect them no matter what the conditions are."
The structure is expected to be fully completed in August 2019.
As fourth generation fruit growers, the Ceravolo family started supplying Coles with vegetables about 50 years ago.
It now grows apples, cherries and pears in seven orchards on nearly 250ha throughout the Adelaide Hills.
Adding a strawberry farm to their portfolio several years ago, the Ceravolo family grows fruit to suit each season.
Ceravolo Orchards is currently one of the largest cherry growers in South Australia.
For us, the Nurture Fund has given us the ability to get this project up and off the ground, otherwise it would have taken us years to install this type of technology.
- Tony Ceravolo
“For us, the Nurture Fund has given us the ability to get this project up and off the ground, otherwise it would have taken us years to install this type of technology," Mr Ceravolo said.
Coles chief operating officer, Greg Davis, said he was proud that Coles could help support Australian suppliers like Ceravolo Orchards, to bring innovation to life and provide customers with high-quality fresh produce throughout the year.
“Since we established the Nurture Fund, we’ve been so impressed by the innovation shown by so many small businesses across the country," Mr Davis said.
"We’re delighted to support the Ceravolo family in their commitment to enhancing the quality of locally grown South Australian cherries."
Coles launched the $50 million Nurture Fund three years ago to help small to medium Australian businesses to innovate and grow.
Since its inception, the fund has offered more than $14 million in grants or interest-free loans to producers.