While today’s global conditions continue to pressure supply chains and cause consolidation of various agribusinesses, the world’s largest irrigation company remains steadfast on its commitment of generating smart irrigation solutions for growers, further underlined recently by new product innovations.

The Netafim brand has not wavered since its early development by growers and agronomists in Israel in 1965 and its growth in Australia commenced from the early 1990s, broadening its focus on innovation to help farmers “grow more with less,” says Stuart Upton, director – commercial and marketing with Netafim Australia and New Zealand.

He said the company’s ascension to industry leader has been built on its reliable delivery of advanced precision irrigation systems through productive relationships with local dealers, backed by strong product and agronomic support teams.

“Today, this also is increasingly being performed as part of a framework that supports sustainability and profitability of agricultural production systems, as well as of our global environment and populations.

“Despite the challenging global conditions and wider industry change, the company’s commitment is as strong as ever, providing confidence through to dealers and growers, as well as for its continuing innovations and product improvements.”

One of Netafim’s latest developments – and another industry breakthrough – has been the inclusion of chemical-resistant iron oxide diaphragms in its leading UniRam, DripNet PC and PCJ drippers, as well as SuperNet micro-sprinklers.

In an extra bonus for grower customers, the new, robust diaphragms also have been included as a standard feature across the range, incurring no additional cost.

Mr Upton said the development of the new membranes was in response to the increased use of chemicals in irrigation systems, whether for nutrition, crop protection or system maintenance, and their potential impact on membrane performance.

He said incorporating iron oxide into the membranes proved to offer superior chemical resistance, helping to maintain high performance and increase longevity.

“We’ve taken the industry’s leading products and effectively made them better with a unique membrane,” Mr Upton said.

“It provides the highest resistance to chlorine and acid effects on the diaphragms, extending their useful life and allowing easier maintenance.”

The new diaphragms were tested in aggressive situations, including under large amounts of chlorine to simulate system maintenance or in case of incorrect maintenance procedures, and were highly effective compared with alternate membranes.

Mr Upton said Netafim was proud to introduce the industry’s most resistant products for use in these aggressive situations, but it encouraged growers to continue to follow guidelines on chemicals and use appropriate concentrations.

Meanwhile, Netafim’s continuing efforts to improve its own environmental footprint, and that of the industry, has been highlighted in recent years by the company’s recycling program for its used drip line products, ‘Netafim Recoil’, to reduce plastic waste.

The recycling service was the first of its kind in the industry, allowing growers to easily dispose of their used irrigation drip line and providing an end-of-life solution for the product. The field waste is then processed and used in the manufacturing of new Netafim drip line and other irrigation products, creating a true circular economy.