Ribena owner invests in helping blackcurrants withstand extreme weather
Summary
The owner of Ribena is investing £200,000 to help blackcurrant bushes survive extreme weather that is reducing this year’s UK harvest. The project includes research on improving soil health and developing new blackcurrant varieties to cope with changing climate conditions like heatwaves, frost, and drought.Key Facts
- The current UK blackcurrant harvest is about 10% below average due to extreme weather.
- Problems include a very wet winter, spring frost and hail, summer heatwaves, and drought.
- Some fruits like blueberries benefit from extra heat, but others like strawberries suffer.
- Suntory Beverage & Food, Ribena's owner, works with growers and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany on solutions.
- Research focuses on improving soil using organic materials to help plants hold moisture and nutrients better.
- New blackcurrant varieties are being developed to grow well without long cold winters.
- Growers are preparing for climate changes by possibly adding irrigation systems in wetter regions.
- The goal is to keep British blackcurrant farming strong despite unpredictable weather caused by climate change.
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