Hail Netting Suppliers in Canada: A Grower’s Sourcing Guide

Quick navigation: Supplier Directory · Canada Hail Risk Guide · Direct Import

Why Canadian Orchards Need Specialist Hail Netting

Canadian growers contact me about hail netting for two very different reasons. Growers in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia — where 90% of BC’s apples and 85% of its cherries are grown — are trying to protect tender fruit from increasingly unpredictable summer hailstorms. Alberta growers, sitting in what climatologists call “Canadian Hail Alley” near Calgary and the foothills, face some of the highest hail frequencies in North America. Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula grape and tender fruit growers face a third pattern: shorter but intense convective events during the growing season.

This guide covers the full sourcing landscape honestly: Canadian distributors and local specialists who know your region, international manufacturers who offer volume pricing without the US Section 301 tariff burden that Canadian importers avoid, and the practical factors — lead times, port logistics through Vancouver or Halifax, and MFN duty rates — that determine total landed cost.

Jump to what matters most: Canada hail risk by region · supplier directory · direct import from China · FAQ

Canada Hail Risk by Region: Where Growers Are Most Exposed

Canada’s hail geography is sharply uneven. Insured agricultural losses from hail average roughly CAD 0 million per year nationally, but that figure is driven by a handful of high-frequency zones. Understanding your region determines whether hail netting is a must-have or a cost-benefit question.

Hail netting is constructed from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). Three weave patterns are available, each suited to different installation systems:

1. Raschel Drape Hail Netting — drapes directly over tree canopies; lowest infrastructure cost; favoured by Okanagan cherry and apple growers for dense plantings
2. Leno Woven Hail Netting — stronger dimensional stability, suited to permanent overhead structure systems
3. Raschel Quad Crossover Knitted Hail Netting — highest impact resistance, used for larger hailstone risk zones such as Alberta

Choosing a Supplier: What Canadian Growers Should Evaluate

The supplier landscape in Canada splits into three distinct tiers: local Canadian specialists with agronomic knowledge of your region, North American distributors carrying established brands, and direct import channels from manufacturing countries. Each tier involves different trade-offs on price, lead time, and on-the-ground support.

Small operations under 5 ha typically prioritise local availability and installation guidance — local Canadian suppliers win here. Mid-scale operations (5–50 ha) benefit from comparing landed cost of direct import against domestic distributor pricing, factoring in Canada’s MFN import duty (typically 0–6.5% for HDPE netting, HS Chapter 56/39) plus GST. Large commercial operations above 50 ha often find direct factory sourcing from China cost-effective — particularly since Canadian importers face no Section 301 tariff surcharge, unlike US buyers who pay an additional 25% on Chinese agricultural netting.

Hail Netting Supplier Directory

The suppliers below are listed for reference, not in ranked order. Each has distinct strengths depending on your scale, region, and procurement approach. Use the “Best for / Not ideal for” notes to shortlist candidates before requesting quotes.

Weather Solve Structure

• Location: Langley, British Columbia
• Company type: Manufacturing
• Year founded: 2006
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Main product: Hail netting, Hail canopy, Golf Range Fence Systems, Building Cladding Systems, Windbreak Fences, Crop Protection Solutions, Custom Wind Protection Systems,  and Walkway Screen Systems.

Weather Solve takes pride in being a B-Corporation, a third-party certification that requires businesses to achieve social and environmental management standards, as well as transparency and accountability standards.

The WeatherSolve team, based in Langley, British Columbia works globally, has created a one-of-a-kind range of retractable and permanent hail netting and canopies designed exclusively for car dealerships. They produce dependable hail netting that is also low-profile and cost-effective.

Best for: BC Lower Mainland operations needing custom retractable systems or car dealership canopies; growers who want a local BC engineering team.
Not ideal for: Buyers looking for standard agricultural drape netting at commodity pricing; operations outside BC with no need for custom structural design.

Tenax

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
•  Company type: Manufacturing, Supplier
•  Year founded: 1960
• Number of employees: 51-200
• Main product: Hail netting, plastic nets, fences, decorative edging, shading, and screening woven nets, synthetic lawns
• Other Products: Geosynthetics, Vegetable Plot and Garden, Home accessories

In 1960, a company specializing in the extrusion of thermoplastic polymers was founded in Italy. The TENAX Group has gradually expanded its organization through meticulous attention to growth strategy, favoring the creation of specialized production and commercial divisions. Due to the high quality of its raw materials, its anti-hail net has side selvages that assure resistance to hail and wind stress.

Best for: Orchards and vineyards wanting a globally proven Italian-engineered product with established North American distribution; permanent tunnel or overhead structure installations.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need direct Canadian technical support on-site; small drape-netting requirements where freight from US distribution makes pricing uncompetitive.

Plantra

• Location: Comox, British Columbia
• Company type: Manufacturing, Supplier
• Year founded: 2000
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Main product: hail netting, bird netting, insect netting, industrial netting
• Other products: Sports netting, marine agricultural net, agricultural machinery

The Mantra of Plantra is “To Plant as you mean it,” and they have held up to their word by providing innovative products for farmers to achieve high yields on the farm. With over 30 years of experience, they have made customized netting, like the hail net for farm protection, that matches the highest industry standard. They bring several years of technical skills in netting dynamics to the table to help you, the customer, with any product you desire.

Best for: BC growers (Comox-based) who want a Canadian supplier with custom netting capability and 30+ years of experience; operations needing sports, marine, or specialty netting alongside agricultural products.
Not ideal for: Prairie or eastern Canada buyers for whom shipping from BC adds significant lead time and cost.

Gintec Shade Technologies

Location: Windham Centre, Ontario

Company type: Manufacturing, Supplier

Year founded: 1994

Number of employees: 11-50

Main product: hail netting, Knitted and Woven shade cloth, vineyard betting,

Other products: Insect and Thermal netting and screens, Ground Cover, Frost Blankets, Bird netting

Gintec is the leading supplier of hail netting and shade cloth in North America, The quantity of diverse netting products that are being explored and tested for commercialization is the most amazing news. Genetec HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) netting with 4mm x 7mm mesh holes is one of the most commonly purchased netting products in Canada. The fabric is light but strong, resisting stains, rips, breaks, and scratches.  Additionally, GintecPRO Guard Netting comes in a multitude of colors and can be customized for hail protection. If this feature suits your needs, this is your product.

Best for: Ontario and Eastern Canada growers who want a Canadian-made HDPE product with full local support; vineyards in Niagara needing combined hail and shade solutions; operations preferring a domestic manufacturer with 30 years of Canadian market experience.
Not ideal for: Operations primarily looking for low-cost volume; western Canada buyers who can source more cost-effectively from BC-based or direct-import channels.

GreenHouse Megastore

• Location: Eastgate, Danvilee
• Company type:  Supplier
• Year founded: 1993
• Number of employees: 50-100
• Main product: Farm Nettings, Garden Supplies, Seed starters
• Other Products: Shade materials and accessories

GreenHouse was designed to work with leading greenhouse manufacturers and agricultural professionals to develop and market greenhouse protection units. Since the company’s beginning, GreenHouse has developed into a national business offering a full range of sustainable products for agriculture and horticulture. Its many years spent working in these industries gives the expertise to help customers with their goals.

Best for: Greenhouse operators and smaller market gardeners who want a one-stop supplier for protective netting alongside greenhouse supplies; buyers comfortable ordering from a US-based online retailer.
Not ideal for: Large-scale field orchard or vineyard operations needing technical installation guidance; buyers requiring Canadian-source certification or domestic support.

Neal Carter and Associates Ltd

• Location: Summerland, British Columbia
• Company type: Wholesaler, Supplier
• Year founded: 1996
• Number of employees: 50-100
• Main products: hail guards, hail netting, bird netting, shade cloth, processing equipment.
• Other Products: Farm Supplies and accessories

Regarding the best quality, the director of Neal Carter and Associates Ltd., Neal Carter, said, “If you make your own wine, make your own nets.” The company came up with a line of complex compounds used in production. In this way, they created a net that is completely different from others available for purchase on the market. Netting from Neal Carter and Associates Ltd is available in a series of designs. Their nets are all made in Korea from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), contain 0.6 percent CIBA 783 inhibitors, are UV stabilized, and come with a 10-year UV warranty. Neal Carter and Associates Ltd. will continue to strive to produce the perfect product.

Best for: Okanagan Valley cherry, apple, and grape growers — Neal Carter is based in Summerland, BC and has served this region since 1996; operations wanting Korean-made HDPE netting with a 10-year UV warranty and proven local track record; growers who want to buy from someone who uses the product on their own orchard.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need Prairie or eastern Canada proximity; large volume orders where direct factory pricing would be significantly more competitive.

Dubios agrinovation

• Location: Simcoe, Ontario
• Company type:  Supplier
• Year founded: 2004
•  Number of employees: 100
• Main product: Agricultural equipment, Hail nets, Shade nets  horticulture and farm equipment
• Other Products: Mulch film, PVC pipe, HDPE pipe, plastic mulch, pest control, water pressure regulator, water pump, aluminum irrigation pipe

The term “agrinovation” refers to the combination of agriculture and technology. Dubois has a solid track record among producers and suppliers in the agricultural industry. The values, knowledge, and agility of our staff, as well as the quality of our goods and customer service, have all contributed to Dubois Agrinovation’s success in North America.

For all of your irrigation, agricultural implements, and plasticulture needs they are dedicated to providing extensive follow-up and exceptional after-sales service.

Best for: Ontario growers (Simcoe, Ontario base) who need hail netting alongside irrigation, plasticulture, and farm equipment from a single supplier; operations that value strong after-sales service and follow-up support.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need hail netting as a standalone product without broader agri-input supply; BC or Prairie operations where Dubois’s Ontario-centric distribution adds shipping complexity.

Johnston Net and Twine

• Location: Wheatley, Ontario
•  Company type:  Supplier
• Year founded: 1991
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Main product: Custom netting, agricultural netting
• Other products: Commercial fishing net

Hail netting systems from Johnston Net and Twine are a gentle and practical way to keep birds out. Hail netting can safeguard a wide range of objects, openings, and structures. Hail exclusion occupations in architecture, industry, aquaculture and agriculture are all possible with this product. Johnston Net and Twine manufactures a wide range of netting materials for a variety of uses.

Best for: Ontario buyers (Wheatley, Ontario) needing custom-manufactured netting; operations with non-standard dimensions or unusual mesh specifications; buyers wanting a domestic Canadian manufacturer rather than an importer.
Not ideal for: Buyers looking for standard off-the-shelf HDPE agricultural hail netting at competitive commodity pricing; operations outside Ontario where freight offsets the custom manufacturing advantage.

FutureNETS

• Location: Pennfield, New Brunswick
•  Company type:  Manufacturer, Supplier
• Year founded: 1980
• Number of employees: 10-50
•  Main product: agricultural netting, tarps
• Other Products: Aquaculture nets, rope & twine,

FutureNets has been a leader in the netting industry for decades, providing a wide range of guaranteed quality netting and rope products. Shade and protection netting can be customized to meet the customer’s needs. FutueNets makes it easy for those looking for shade solutions from Anti Hail nets to custom bird netting. 

Best for: Atlantic Canada growers (New Brunswick base) who need a regional supplier for anti-hail and shade solutions; operations needing customized products from a manufacturer with decades of netting experience; aquaculture operators who also need agricultural netting.
Not ideal for: Western or central Canada buyers for whom FutureNETS’s Maritime location adds significant shipping lead time and cost; large-scale horticultural operations needing volume pricing from a dedicated agricultural netting specialist.

Considering Direct Import from China

For mid-to-large Canadian operations, direct import from a Chinese manufacturer is worth a structured evaluation. Canada has no Section 301 tariff, and MFN duties on HDPE agricultural netting typically run 0-6.5% plus GST 5%. The landed cost gap between domestic Canadian distributors and direct-from-factory pricing is often 30-50% for orders above 5,000 m².

Procurement Decision Matrix

Hidden Cost Analysis

Direct import involves costs not shown in the factory quote. For Vancouver port entry: ocean freight FCL 20ft from Shanghai typically USD $1,200-$2,500, Canadian customs broker fee CAD $150-$400 per entry, port handling and drayage. Halifax port entry is typically 10-15% more expensive in freight than Vancouver for China-origin cargo. Budget 15-20% above FOB price for total landed cost.

Hybrid Strategy

Many Canadian growers use a hybrid approach: a local supplier for emergency top-ups and technical advice, combined with direct factory import for planned seasonal orders. The 75-90 day total lead time means ordering in autumn or winter for spring installation.

Honest Limitations of Direct Import

Direct import is not the right choice for every operation. If you need installation expertise for BC Okanagan drape-system configurations or Ontario vineyard tunnel structures, a local supplier is worth the price premium. If your order is under 2,000 m², per-unit freight typically erodes the factory price advantage.

7-Step Import Process: China to Canada

1. Specify and sample — Define mesh size, UV spec, colour, width, and length. Request samples before committing to production (7-10 days sampling lead time).
2. Confirm order and payment terms — Standard terms: 30% deposit TT, 70% before shipment. Request a pro forma invoice for CBSA import documentation.
3. Production — 30-40 days. Request pre-shipment inspection from SGS or Bureau Veritas for orders above CAD $20,000.
4. Freight booking — Vancouver port for BC and Prairie destinations; Halifax for Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic provinces.
5. Ocean transit — Shanghai to Vancouver: 14-18 days. Shanghai to Halifax via Suez: 28-35 days.
6. Canadian customs clearance — File B3 entry with CBSA via your broker. Declare HS code (5608.11.90 or 3926.90.90). Pay MFN duty plus GST 5%.
7. Delivery to farm — Arrange drayage from port. Factor warehouse dwell time if timing does not match vessel arrival.

About EyouAgro as a Direct Import Option

EyouAgro (Joyeyou Industry, Shanghai, est. 1996) manufactures Raschel drape, Leno woven, and Quad Crossover hail netting on 8 in-house production lines, with 21 patents and 100% virgin HDPE specification. We supply commercial orchards in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Spain, South Africa, and Canada.

EyouAgro is a good fit if: your order is above 30,000 m², you have a 75-90 day procurement window, you want custom specifications (mesh, colour, width), and you have a freight forwarder or customs broker in place.

EyouAgro is not the right choice if: you need a product within 4 weeks, your operation is under 2 ha, you need on-site installation support, or you prefer to buy Canadian. In those cases, Neal Carter and Associates (Okanagan), Gintec Shade Technologies (Ontario), or WeatherSolve (BC) are more appropriate.

If direct import makes sense for your operation, contact us for a sample and quote or send specifications to info@eyouagro.com.

Talk to Our Experts

Need guidance on crop protection solutions?

Connect with our specialists to discuss your needs and confidently start your project!

Reach out today

Conclusion

The right hail netting supplier for a Canadian grower depends on three variables: your region (Okanagan, Alberta, Ontario, or Atlantic Canada each has a different risk profile), your order scale, and your lead-time flexibility. Local Canadian suppliers like Neal Carter and Associates (Okanagan), Gintec Shade Technologies (Ontario), and WeatherSolve (BC) offer regional expertise and short lead times. Direct import from Chinese manufacturers makes sense for larger orders where Canada’s favourable tariff position (no Section 301, MFN 0-6.5% + GST) makes the landed cost gap significant enough to justify the 75-90 day lead time.

Whichever path you choose, request samples before committing to production and verify UV stabiliser specification in writing. A net installed without a proper UV rating will degrade in 3-5 years, instead of the expected 8-12 years, making it the single most common cause of premature failure, regardless of supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alberta really have the highest hail risk in Canada?

Yes. Alberta, particularly the Calgary region, is consistently identified as the highest-hail-frequency zone in Canada. The August 2024 Calgary hailstorm caused approximately CAD $3.25 billion in insured losses, making it one of the two costliest natural disasters in Canadian history. For horticultural crops, including market gardens and specialty vegetables, hail netting is the primary physical protection tool.

What type of hail netting works best for apple orchards in the BC Okanagan?

The Okanagan high-density orchard system is best served by Raschel drape netting, which is deployed over the canopy without requiring a full overhead frame. Neal Carter and Associates in Summerland BC have been supplying Okanagan orchardists since 1996 with a Korean-made HDPE drape net carrying a 10-year UV warranty. The BC government’s $5M Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program (2025) lists hail netting as an eligible expense.

What is the import duty on hail netting shipped from China to Canada?

Canada does not apply a Section 301 tariff to Chinese goods (that is a US-specific measure). HDPE agricultural netting from China is subject to Canada’s MFN rate, typically 0-6.5% depending on HS code classification (5608.11.90 for knotted netting or 3926.90.90 for plastic netting), plus GST at 5%. A Canadian customs broker can confirm the exact classification for your specific product.

How long does it take to receive hail netting ordered directly from a Chinese factory?

Total lead time from order confirmation to delivery on your Canadian farm is typically 75-90 days: 7-10 days sampling and order confirmation, 30-40 days production, 14-18 days ocean transit Shanghai to Vancouver (28-35 days to Halifax via Suez), plus 3-7 days customs clearance and drayage. Canadian growers targeting spring installation should place orders in November or December at the latest.

When does it make more sense to buy from a Canadian supplier rather than import directly?

Local Canadian suppliers are the better choice when your order is under 2,000 m², you need delivery within 4 weeks, you need installation guidance specific to your region, or you are trying the product for the first time. Direct import from China becomes economically compelling when your order exceeds 50,000 m², you have a 90-day procurement window, and you require custom specifications. Canada’s lack of Section 301 tariffs makes the direct import cost equation more favourable for Canadian buyers than for their US counterparts.

Consult Our Specialists

Need guidance on selecting the right hail netting?

Our specialists are ready to guide you in finding the best fit for your crops!

Contact us today！

Next Reading

Top 10 Hail Netting Suppliers and Manufacturers in China

This article provides an inventory of the top ten manufacturers and suppliers of anti-hail netting in China.

Top 10 Bird Netting Suppliers in China

This article focuses on finding the best bird netting supplier in China for protecting your crops.

Shade Netting Suppliers in Johannesburg: A Buyer’s Guide

Johannesburg growers often apply Cape Town shade cloth specs without adjusting for altitude. At 1,753m, UV intensity is 20-25% higher than sea level -- a shade cloth that lasts 7 years in Cape Town may fail in 4-5 years in Gauteng if the UV stabilizer percentage was not verified before purchase.For commercial greenhouse operations (roses, tomatoes), the bigger oversight is shade percentage accuracy

-- Kevin Lyu, EyouAgro