Explore orchard innovation in the Alps with IFTA’s 2026 Study Tour
The International Fruit Tree Association’s IFTA in the Alps tour will take growers through some of Europe’s most innovative fruit-growing regions, including Lake Constance and South Tyrol, with a special visit to Interpoma 2026.
Looking for fresh ideas to bring back to your orchard?
The International Fruit Tree Association (IFTA) is inviting growers, packers, consultants, and industry professionals to join its “IFTA in the Alps” Study Tour this November 2026. Participants will visit leading fruit-growing regions in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy, tour innovative orchards and packing facilities, connect with researchers, and attend Interpoma 2026, the world’s premier apple industry trade show.
The tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about emerging technologies, precision orchard systems, new production practices and the latest advances in fruit growing while networking with industry peers from around the world.
“With the chance to see production of tree fruits of every kind, talk with leading growers about their unique challenges and new technology adoption experiences, plus see what the future may hold as researchers innovate and commercial orchard applications develop, it is no wonder that IFTA members have been looking forward to this Interpoma sequel ever since our 2022 visit which focused solely on Italy. Get those passports ready,” said Greg Lang, education director, IFTA.
More details
This IFTA-in-the-Alps tour will spend several days around Lake Constance (Bodensee), visiting Swiss and German pome and stone fruit growers, as well as Germany’s cutting-edge KOB Research Centre, which focuses on the region’s diverse fruit industries, including apples, cherries, pears, peaches, plums and apricots.
A quick traverse through the Austrian Alps will bring participants to Italy’s South Tyrol, where the stunning Dolomite mountains provide a backdrop to valleys filled with apple orchards. The tour will include visits to local orchards around Bolzano and the Laimburg Research Centre, known for its work in innovative fruit production, breeding and packing technologies. Several Laimburg scientists have also presented at recent IFTA annual conferences.
A full day will be dedicated to Interpoma, the world’s leading apple industry trade show. Attendees can choose to participate in the half-day Congress on New Approaches in Spraying Technology or explore the extensive exhibit halls featuring the latest orchard and packing equipment, precision agriculture technologies, trellis and netting systems, robotics, orchard agrivoltaics, drones and more.
For registration information, visit: https://www.iftatravel.com/