Ribena’s owner, Suntory Beverage & Food, is investing £200,000 to develop hardier blackcurrant bushes capable of withstanding extreme weather. This decision comes after this year’s UK harvest is expected to fall 10% below average due to a series of climate-related challenges, including a wet winter, spring frosts, hail, and intense summer heat.
The investment aims to ensure the sustainability of British blackcurrant production, which has faced unprecedented weather fluctuations. Agronomists are collaborating with the National Institute of Agricultural Botany to explore how improving soil health can enhance crop resilience. This includes researching organic soil amendments to boost moisture retention and nutrient cycling.
As climate change continues to disrupt traditional farming patterns, growers are adapting by developing new blackcurrant varieties that require less cold weather to thrive. This shift is crucial for maintaining the viability of blackcurrant farming in the UK, where growers are already facing a very different climate than a decade ago.
The implications of this investment extend beyond Ribena; it highlights the urgent need for agricultural innovation in response to climate change. As farmers implement new strategies, the future of UK soft fruit production may hinge on their ability to adapt to these evolving environmental conditions.
Source: The Guardian
