The study, launched in April at a Dole site in Kent, aims to see how pollination from bees can boost crop yields.
It will also assess how plastic tunnelling affects tunnel microclimates and bee activity.
Fruit producers routinely invest major resources to develop new berry varieties, trial packaging formats, and selecting materials such as polytunnel covers to improve yield, quality, and sustainability.
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To ensure success, such innovations must first be validated in small-scale trials before being rolled out across thousands of hectares. Understanding their impact on pollinators is a vital, often overlooked, element.
Dole recognises the need for robust research and operates dedicated R&D sites in the UK where promising technologies are trialled and refined.
These efforts allow Dole to assess not only the agronomic and economic feasibility of new tools but also their environmental impact, ensuring that the most practical solutions are scaled.
Dr Drew Reynolds, technical & sustainability director at Dole, said: “This project is not just about testing a new material, it’s about understanding the broader ecological and commercial impacts of farming innovations, especially in the fruit industry.
“At Dole, we’re always looking for the opportunity to improve our sustainable practices across our sites. By partnering with AgriSound for this pilot study, we can see the real-time influence of our decision-making when it comes to our standard practices and determine exactly how we can better protect the local ecosystems and pollinators.”
Robin Wilson, pollination specialist at AgriSound, added: “Pollination influences every stage of crop production, from fruit quality to overall yield.
“This project addresses a targeted question of how we can create optimal conditions for flower development and effective pollination.
“By combining advanced sensor technology with real-world, on-farm trials, we’re able to assess how any change in crop or growing conditions impacts pollination.
“In turn, this will help us to determine whether changes support sustainable, productive agriculture in fruit production.”
“Pollination has traditionally been seen as the domain of breeding or academic research, but partner initiatives between tech firms like AgriSound and food producers such as Dole demonstrate their relevance for all companies investing in fruit production. Whether evaluating new growing materials, plant varieties, or environmental management practices, understanding how these affect pollinators is key to long-term success.”
The pilot-study will run through the current season and conclude in October 2025. By bringing together agricultural innovation, ecological monitoring, and real-world commercial insight, Dole and AgriSound aim to deliver not just a successful trial, but a model for sustainable innovation for the entire industry.