Quebec apple grower using anti-hail cannon to protect crops from icy weather

A Quebec apple orchard may be pioneering the use of an anti-hail cannon in Canada, deployed by Verger des Bois-Francs owner Maxime Brie in an effort to safeguard crops from icy weather. Hail is a significant threat to agriculture, capable of causing millions of dollars in damage. Brie, a fourth-generation apple grower, explained that damaged fruits often need to be repurposed into juice or sauce, leading to substantial profit losses.

The Spanish-made anti-hail cannon costs $160,000 and is designed to protect up to 80 hectares of land. It operates by creating controlled explosions near the ground, which generate shockwaves that transform hail into harmless water. This device, connected to a weather station operated by SPAG, is monitored by meteorologists in Brazil, allowing for rapid response to storms. Brie explained that the cannon will only be activated after a check-in via WhatsApp, and can also be triggered manually via text message if necessary.

While the device generates noise, Brie is hopeful that his neighbors understand its importance in adapting to changing weather conditions due to climate change. The apple grower acknowledged that while this year's harvest could potentially be abundant, the anti-hail cannon is crucial to ensure a resilient orchard for future years.