Advancing food security with precision pollination
A ground-breaking project titled “Precision Pollination for Higher Strawberry Productivity and Quality” is set to revolutionise strawberry production through cutting-edge drone technology. This initiative aims to enhance both the yield and quality of strawberries—a high-value crop valued at £377 million in 2022—while also contributing to improved food security.
The project brings together a cohort of experts, including the UK Agri-Tech Centre, Angus Soft Fruits and Singapore-based technology company Polybee, with funding support from Innovate UK. Together, this consortium combines the expertise of UK berry growers, advanced agri-tech development and innovative drone technology designed to optimise pollination.
Drone technology to support strawberry pollination in controlled environments
Most commercial strawberry crops in the UK are grown in controlled environments such as polytunnels or glasshouses. While these structures offer optimal growing conditions, they also present challenges for natural pollination, which is essential for developing fruit that meets the strict size and shape requirements of retailers.
Pollination directly impacts whether strawberries qualify as “Class 1” produce, the highest standard for retail sale. Poor pollination can lead to misshapen or undersized fruit, resulting in economic losses for growers. Currently, many growers rely on native bumblebees or honeybees for pollination, but factors like weather conditions and specific crop stages can hinder their effectiveness.
This is where Polybee’s drone technology comes into play. The company’s innovative drones use airflow to assist in pollen movement, ensuring more uniform and successful pollination, particularly during critical stages of the season.
The “Precision Pollination” project aims to integrate Polybee’s drone technology into commercial strawberry production in the UK. This could be a game-changer for growers, leading to improved pollination, higher yields of premium fruit, and even the possibility of extending the UK strawberry season.
Katie Clark, Project Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said
“As the Project Manager for ‘Precision Pollination for Higher Strawberry Productivity and Quality,’ I am thrilled to be involved in this pioneering initiative that brings together expertise from across the global agri-tech sector and the UK soft fruit industry.
This project represents a critical step towards leveraging innovative drone technology to enhance strawberry yield and fruit quality, addressing the challenges of pollination in protected growing environments. By combining cutting-edge drone solutions with the knowledge of leading growers and agri-tech specialists, we aim to drive meaningful advancements in food security and sustainability for the UK and beyond.”
Industry collaboration for lasting impact
This project represents a successful collaboration between agricultural expertise and technological innovation. Angus Soft Fruits, a leading name in UK berry production, plays a critical role by providing real-world testing environments for Polybee’s technology. This collaboration ensures that the drone-based pollination methods are refined with practical data from the field, delivering tangible benefits to growers.
Lucy Wilkins, Breeding Programme Director at Angus Soft Fruits, commented:
“Enhancing pollination by integrating advanced technology alongside bumblebees promises significant benefits for our growers, ultimately improving yields of Class 1 and premium-tier strawberries.
By bringing together experts from across the agricultural technology sector and our progressive berry growers, we anticipate meaningful improvements in both fruit quality and overall yield.”
The benefits of this work will extend beyond the growers to their marketing groups and retail customers through increased production and surety of supply of high-quality fruit.