AI tech boosts biodiversity across drink giant’s blackcurrant farms
The company is employing AI to monitor and analyse the presence of bird species living in hedgerows on farms that grow blackcurrants for the popular Ribena drink brand.
The technology is being used to analyse the presence of threatened bird species, providing valuable data on the ecological health of the farms.
The initiative aligns with the company's broader sustainability goals, which include developing biodiversity plans and working closely with farmers and suppliers to have a positive environmental impact.
Using bioacoustic recorders to pick up sounds of more elusive species
The project uses AI analysis and recording technology in various habitats on the five farms to collect quantitative data on key species over an average period of 48 days across the year. On average, each farm boasted 58 different species, with the most diverse farm hosting 63 species.
While recordings are generally dominated by the more common and vocal species such as the wren, robin and dunnock, the bioacoustic recorders can pick up the more elusive or unusual species that may be harder to capture, giving a fuller picture of the habitats.
Among the 83 species recorded were 15 UK red list birds and 17 from the amber list, including priority species such as the bullfinch, and the skylark, whose recent and dramatic decline – down by 63% since 1967 – has led to the species landing on the red list.
The presence of threatened bird species is particularly encouraging given the declining bird populations in the UK, largely due to habitat loss from changes in agricultural practices.
According to the company, this illustrates the importance of creating farm environments where nature can thrive, and how modern, thoughtfully managed agriculture can play a significant role in protecting wildlife.
'Invaluable data for supporting biodiversity'
SBF GB&I said this data is invaluable for growers as they continue to collaboratively refine their agricultural methods to support and increase bird populations. It also said thje project highlights the role AI can play within food and beverage supply chain.
Fraser McIntosh, head of external affairs and sustainability at SBF GB&I, said: “We’ve had biodiversity action plans in place on these farms since 2004, so seeing how we’re providing safe havens for such a variety of bird species really validates the hard work from our growers and our team over many years.
“This work is so important to boost biodiversity and ensure the resilience of the blackcurrant crop for future generations, all part of what we call ‘Growing for Good’.”
The bioacoustic monitoring initiative builds upon SBF GB&I’s Farm Stewardship Scheme which aimed to deliver environmental improvements to blackcurrant farms through its ‘Six Point Plan’ (6PP).
The 6PP enhances key farmland habitats and species protection by focusing on hedgerows, grass buffers, green headlands, farmland birds, pollen and nectar sources, and mature trees. SBF UK&I aimed to create more resilient farms in the face of climate change and extreme weather, while aligning with national environmental policies.
Olly Edmonds, farm environment adviser at FWAG, added: “Working with SBF GB&I has enabled us to harness AI technology for deeper monitoring across the farms. This method allows us to observe a larger area for extended periods, beyond what might be possible using traditional approaches.
“For example, species reliant on hedgerows such as dunnock and bullfinch may be being supported by the sympathetic hedgerow management under the Farm Stewardship Scheme. We're optimistic that ongoing monitoring will help reveal the contribution of these efforts on nurturing a robust bird community on our blackcurrant farms.”
The sounds of nature from the biodiversity project have been captured in a short film.
