Hail nets are protective mesh canopies installed over orchards and berry plantations to shield crops from hail damage and, in some designs, from sunburn and bird predation, representing a key risk-management investment that protects both yield volume and the cosmetic quality demanded by processing and fresh markets.
In trade practice
For buyers sourcing apples, cherries or soft fruit for IQF or fresh export, hail net coverage is an indicator of a grower’s commitment to consistent cosmetic quality, as hail-damaged fruit typically fails visual grading at intake. Supplier audits or farm questionnaires may ask whether hail nets are installed and what proportion of the production area is covered. In regions of Ukraine with high hail frequency, the presence of nets can be a differentiating factor when assessing supply reliability across seasons.
In a specification
A buyer’s supplier approval questionnaire or farm audit checklist may include hail net coverage as a risk-management criterion, particularly where the specification sets tight limits on surface blemishes or bruising.