Dole, AgriSound launch new pollination study to strengthen fruit production
Pilot project in Kent tests how growing materials affect bumblebee activity and fruit yield
GLOBAL – A new pilot study between Dole and UK-based ag-tech company AgriSound is taking a close look at how growing materials influence pollination and fruit production.
The study began in April 2025 at Dole’s Charlton site in Langley, Kent. It aims to answer a key question in fruit farming: how do changes in growing materials impact pollinator activity, especially bumblebees, and what does that mean for crop yield and quality?
AgriSound will track bee activity using its Polly sensor technology, which provides real-time data throughout the growing season. The team will compare standard materials to SecondSky thermal reduction polytunnel covers made by IYRIS, a global supplier of adaptive agri-climate products.
These covers affect the microclimate within the tunnels, which in turn may affect how bees behave.
Fruit producers already spend heavily on developing new berry varieties and testing different packaging and growing methods. But while these changes focus on yield and shelf life, the role of pollinators often gets less attention.
Dr Drew Reynolds, technical and sustainability director at Dole, believes this research could change that.
“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,” Reynolds said.
“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.”
AgriSound’s pollination expert Robin Wilson 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.”
A growing focus on real-world testing
The study reflects a wider trend in the UK food and drink sector, which invested over £800 million in research and development between 2021 and 2022, up 13 percent from the previous year.
As Dole noted, new practices must prove themselves in trials before they are used across large areas.
Wilson said that for pollination to support reliable and profitable farming, it must be better understood by all players in the supply chain.
“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,” he said.
“Whether evaluating new growing materials, plant varieties, or environmental management practices, understanding how these affect pollinators is key to long-term success.”
The study will run until October 2025. Dole and AgriSound plan to use the findings to help fruit producers make informed choices about materials, pollinator health, and sustainable production.
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