Key Takeaways

• AgriSound and Dole collaborate on a pilot study to enhance fruit production through improved pollination techniques.
• The study investigates the effects of advanced polytunnel materials on pollinator activity, utilizing real-time data from Polly sensors.
• The initiative aligns with growing investments in agricultural R&D, emphasizing sustainable practices and environmental protection.

Collaboration for Agricultural Innovation

York-based AgriSound has partnered with global fruit producer Dole to launch a significant pilot study aimed at redefining data-driven agricultural research. Initiated in April 2025 at Dole’s Charlton site in Langley, Kent, this project focuses on how advanced growing materials influence pollinator activity and fruit production.

Specifically, the study examines the impact of IYRIS’s SecondSky thermal reduction polytunnel covers on tunnel microclimates and bumblebee behavior. The goal is to compare these advanced materials with industry-standard options. AgriSound’s innovative Polly sensors will monitor pollinator activity in real time, enabling researchers to quantify the relationship between pollination and fruit yield and quality accurately.

This effort is particularly relevant as UK food and drink manufacturers invested over £800 million in research and development between 2021 and 2022, marking a 13 percent increase from the prior year. Fruit producers typically allocate substantial resources to develop new berry varieties and trial materials like polytunnel covers to improve yield, quality, and sustainability. Validating these innovations through small-scale trials is crucial before broader implementation.

Dole has recognized the importance of thorough research, establishing R&D sites in the UK to pilot promising technologies. This approach ensures that new tools are assessed for agronomic, economic, and environmental viability before scaling.

Dr. Drew Reynolds, Dole’s technical and sustainability director, emphasized the broader ecological impacts of farming innovations. He stated, “This project is not just about testing a new material; it’s about understanding the ecological and commercial ramifications of our practices.” By collaborating with AgriSound, Dole aims to enhance sustainable practices and protect local ecosystems.

AgriSound’s pollination specialist, Robin Wilson, noted the significant influence of pollination on crop production. He remarked, “This project addresses how we can create optimal conditions for flower development and effective pollination.” The collaboration aims to determine how changes in crop conditions affect pollination, contributing to sustainable and productive fruit agriculture.

Traditionally viewed as a subject for breeding or academic inquiry, pollination is gaining traction in industry discussions. The collaboration between tech firms like AgriSound and food producers like Dole highlights its relevance across the sector. Understanding the effects of new materials and practices on pollinators is vital for long-term agricultural success.

The pilot study will continue throughout the current growing season, concluding in October. This partnership represents a commitment to merging agricultural innovation with ecological monitoring, striving to set a precedent for sustainable practices in the industry.

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