In 2017, the state entrusted Qualitropic, the overseas tropical bioeconomy cluster, the coordination of a project consisting in creating agricultural personal protective equipment adapted to tropical conditions. Existing PPE, unsuitable for heat and humidity, are in fact shunned by farmers in Domiens, who thus expose themselves to the phytosanitary products they apply on their crops.
A challenge has been launched, nine proposals were received in September 2018 and a selection phase began in Reunion and the Antilles to culminate in the final choice : that of the solution proposed by the Brazilian company Protect EPI. It consists of a "Tropic Poncho" coupled with the "Protect Wind", protective clothing and the "Second Skin", work clothing that is worn under the PPE.
The range should be available soon, at affordable prices : 25 euros for the Tropic Poncho, around 20 euros for the pants-jacket-glasses or visors set, and 9 euros for the pants-t-shirt set
