Category: Back to the Planet
Project title: Innovative Advanced AI Robotics Systems for Beekeeping to Safeguard Bees and Ensure Food Security
Project type:
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Pilot Project or Feasibility Study
- Business Implementation or Operational Initiative
- Product Design and Innovation
Relevant SDG(s):
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 15: Life on Land
Primary topic(s):
- Industrial Innovation and Automation
- Digital Solutions for Sustainability
- Net Zero Strategies and Scope 3 Emissions
- Nature-positive Solutions and Regenerative Agriculture
- Water Stewardship and Management
- Sustainable Sourcing and Procurement
Relevant product(s): almonds
Project start date: 2022. End date: Ongoing. Duration: /
Location: USA
Is this a multi-collaborative project? Yes, Olam Food Ingredients and Beewise Technologies Ltd.
ABSTRACT:
Project’s Background
Bees are indispensable to global ecosystems and agricultural productivity, particularly in the nut and dried fruit industry. As primary pollinators, they play a critical role in the reproduction of plants, including almond trees, which rely heavily on bee pollination for successful crop yields. However, bee populations are under threat, with an estimated 40% annual loss of bee colonies globally. This decline poses a significant risk to biodiversity, food security, and the sustainability of agricultural systems. Recognizing this challenge, ofi (Olam Food Ingredients), a leader in sustainable agriculture, has embarked on an ambitious project to protect and promote pollinator health within its 7,839 acres of almond orchards in California. The project aims to address the decline in bee populations, enhance almond production, and contribute to broader ecosystem health through innovative, technology-driven solutions.
Scope and Scale
ofi’s almond orchards are the first in the United States to be certified by the Rainforest Alliance, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability. The project involves the management of over 15,000 beehives, which are essential for pollinating the almond trees. Given that a single bee can visit hundreds to thousands of flowers daily, the collective impact of these hives is monumental, not only for almond production but also for supporting diverse ecosystems. Beyond almonds, the pollination efforts of bees extend to a wide range of plants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which are vital for maintaining biodiversity and food security.
The project’s scope extends to the adoption of cutting-edge technology to revolutionize beekeeping practices. In collaboration with Beewise, a company specializing in AI and robotics for beekeeping, ofi has replaced 2,808 traditional wooden hives with BeeHome™ systems. These AI-powered hives are designed to automate and scale beekeeping operations, ensuring the health and survival of bee colonies while minimizing environmental impact. The project’s scale is significant, with 3,610 intelligent hives now deployed across ofi’s orchards, each capable of hosting up to 10 colonies of approximately 33,000 bees. This large- scale deployment has already preserved the lives of over 6.95 million bees since 2023.
Key Components and Innovative Approach
The project’s success lies in its unique integration of technology, sustainability, and collaboration. The BeeHome™ system, developed by Beewise, is a groundbreaking innovation that combines AI, robotics, and solar power to create a fully automated, remotely controlled beekeeping solution. Key features of the BeeHome™ include:
- Remote Monitoring and Control: Master beekeepers can regulate hive conditions, such as temperature and airflow, from a distance, ensuring optimal environments for bee colonies.
- Protection from Harmful Practices: The hives can be sealed remotely during the application of agricultural products, protecting bees from exposure to harmful pesticides. ofi further safeguards bees by using only bee-friendly products, free from neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, and non-ionic surfactants.
- Automation of Routine Tasks: The system automates repetitive tasks, such as feeding bees through a centralized syrup tank and providing clean water, reducing the need for frequent hive visits and minimizing carbon emissions from beekeeper vehicles.
- Sustainability Features: The hives are solar-powered and constructed with high-performance materials that offer superior insulation and ventilation, enhancing energy efficiency and hive durability.
This innovative approach not only improves bee health and survival rates but also reduces the environmental footprint of beekeeping operations. By leveraging technology, ofi has transformed traditional beekeeping practices, making them more scalable, efficient, and sustainable.
Demonstrating Initiative, Leadership, and Creativity
ofi’s project exemplifies leadership in sustainability and innovation within the nut and dried fruit industry. The company’s proactive approach to addressing the global bee crisis demonstrates a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and food security. By partnering with Beewise, ofi has embraced a creative, technology-driven solution that sets a new standard for pollinator conservation. The project’s large-scale deployment of AI-powered hives showcases ofi’s willingness to invest in cutting-edge solutions that have a tangible impact on biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
Moreover, ofi’s initiative aligns with its broader sustainability goals. In 2020, the Almond Board of California certified 75% of ofi’s orchards as bee-friendly, and the company aims to achieve 100% certification by 2030. This ambitious target reflects ofi’s dedication to creating a sustainable and resilient agricultural system that supports both people and the planet.
Significant Results and Impact
The project has already achieved remarkable results, both in terms of bee conservation and almond production. By preserving over 6.95 million bees, ofi has made a significant contribution to pollinator health and biodiversity. The use of BeeHome™ systems has also enhanced the efficiency and sustainability of beekeeping operations, reduced carbon emissions and minimized the use of harmful pesticides.
The impact of this project extends beyond almonds. By supporting healthy bee populations, ofi is contributing to the pollination of a wide range of plants, which in turn supports broader ecosystems. This includes improving soil health through the growth of pollinator-dependent plants, which reduce soil erosion and enhance nutrient cycling.
Advancing Sustainability
ofi’s project is a pioneering effort that advances sustainability within the nut and dried fruit industry. By integrating AI and robotics into beekeeping, the company has demonstrated how technology can be harnessed to address pressing environmental challenges. The project’s success serves as a model for other agricultural enterprises, highlighting the potential for innovation to drive positive change.
OBJECTIVES:
- Combat global bee population decline by implementing innovative conservation measures.
- Enhance pollination efficiency to improve almond yields and protect the global food supply chain.
- Support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. By facilitating the reproduction of flowering plants, bees maintain habitats for other wildlife, including birds, mammals and insects.
- Another key objective was to collaborate with Beewise on research and development (R&D) to test the efficacy of their AI robotic beehive technology in preserving bees as ofi intends to implement this technology on a large scale to improve pollination efficiency on its California almond orchards.
IMPACT AND OUTCOMES:
Addressing a Critical Industry Challenge and Impact
The global nut and dried fruit industry faces an existential threat from pollinator decline, with almond production being particularly vulnerable as these crops are 100% dependent on bee pollination. Traditional beekeeping methods have proven inadequate against modern agricultural challenges, including:
- 40% annual bee colony losses (vs. historical 5-10%)
- $15B+ potential annual losses to pollinator-dependent crops worldwide
- Limited scalability of manual hive management
ofi’s project directly addressed these gaps through a technology-driven approach that redefined sustainable pollination practices in California’s almond orchards, which produce 80% of the world’s almonds.
Quantifiable Results and Achievements
1. Bee Population Preservation
- 6.95 million bees saved since 2023 deployment
- 40% reduction in colony losses compared to industry averages
- 3,610 intelligent hives deployed (each supporting 10 colonies of approximately 33,000 bees)
2. Agricultural Productivity Gains
- Increase in almond yields from optimized pollination
- Improvement in nut uniformity (critical for premium pricing)
3. Environmental Benefits
Reduction in beekeeping carbon footprint through:
- Fewer vehicle miles for hive inspections
- Solar-powered hive operations
- 5,600 acres of bee-friendly habitats created through cover crops
- 100% reduction in harmful pesticide use across certified orchards
Industry-Specific Impacts
For Almond Producers:
- Created pollination assurance against colony collapse risks
- Established new premium market for bee-friendly almond
For the Broader Nut/Dried Fruit Sector:
- Developed scalable template for other pollinator-dependent crops
- Reduced supply chain risk from pollinator instability
Innovation Components
1. BeeHome™ Technology Integration
- 24/7 monitoring of brood health, food stores, and pest presence
- Automated climate control maintains optimal hive conditions year-round
- Remote pesticide protection via instant hive sealing capability
2. Data-Driven Orchard Management
- Pollination efficiency mapping identifies under-served orchard zones
- Predictive analytics forecast bloom times and bee activity peaks
- Integration with irrigation systems to coordinate water access
3. Sustainable Certification Framework
- Developed first bee-friendly standard for almond production
- 75% certification progress toward 2030 goal
- 12 measurable criteria including:
- Pesticide restrictions
- Habitat requirements
- Hive density standards
Broader Industry Implications
1. New Business Models Enabled
- Pollination-as-a-Service offerings using smart hives
- Carbon credit generation from pollinator habitat creation
- Traceable “Bee-Safe” labeling for premium products
2. Supply Chain Resilience
- More stable year-to-year yields
- Reduced insurance costs for pollination-dependent crops
- Future-proofed against impending pollinator protection regulations
Redefining Sustainable Agriculture
ofi’s project has transformed pollinator management from a reactive cost center to a strategic, technology-enabled asset. This initiative provides the nut and dried fruit industry with a replicable framework to address one of its most critical sustainability challenges —ensuring reliable pollination in an era of ecological instability. By proving the business case for high-tech conservation, ofi has set a new standard for agricultural innovation that balances productivity with planetary health.
In what ways is the project innovative?
ofi’s AI-powered pollinator initiative revolutionizes sustainable agriculture by merging AI, robotics, and precision farming to protect bees and boost yields. Key innovations include:
- Smart BeeHome™ hives with 24/7 monitoring, automated feeding, and pesticide protection, cutting colony losses by 40%.
- AI-driven pollination mapping to optimize bee activity to increase almond yields
- 100% elimination of bee-toxic pesticides through predictive pest management
- Solar-powered, carbon-neutral operations, reducing emissions
- Industry-first “Bee-Friendly” certification, setting new sustainability standards
More information:
- From agronomy to AI: ofi accelerates sustainability impact across global nuts supply chains
- How Ofi is embracing pollination tech to futureproof almond production
- Superior pollination for growers with AI and Robotics | Beewise
- Beewise Impact Report 2023.pdf
https://26497807.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26497807/Beewise%20Impact%20Report%202023.pdf
