'AI takes care of routine tasks so we can focus on strategy'

Please introduce yourself and Bionatur to those who don’t know you yet
Hi, I’m René Tort Llanos, Director General and CEO of Bionatur Invernaderos Biologicos in Mexico. Our greenhouse spans 80 hectares, and we’ve been in business for over 20 years. We’ve always focused on innovation in our growing practices, recently transitioning to autonomous crop management with Blue Radix's Crop Controller.

How did you first hear about Blue Radix and Crop Controller?
I first heard about the power of AI during a conference in Austin, where a professor stressed the importance of AI in greenhouse management. He said that if you’re not exploring AI, your business might not survive in the next five years. This prompted me to ask our head grower to investigate AI solutions, which led us to Blue Radix and Crop Controller.

What was your motivation to start working with Crop Controller?
The motivation came from the realization that AI could help us stay competitive. I wanted to make our operations more efficient, reduce costs, and give my growers more time to focus on what really matters—optimizing strategies in the greenhouse. It became clear that AI could take care of the routine tasks, allowing us to invest our energy in high-value activities.

How was your experience setting up Crop Controller in your greenhouse? Was it easy to get started?
Yes, setting up Crop Controller was surprisingly easy. We already had a modernized Priva Climate Computer and many years of data on hand, which made the transition seamless. The algorithms processed all of our data in just two weeks, faster than we expected. It began with climate control, then screens, and to the next step is handing over the irrigation system as well.

How has the support from our team helped you during the setup or in learning how to use Crop Controller?
The support from the Blue Radix team has been excellent—definitely 5 out of 5 stars. They were always available through WhatsApp or email for any questions. When our head grower left the company, the Blue Radix team was on a call with us at 8 a.m. the next morning to make sure we continued running smoothly. This level of responsiveness gave us the confidence to trust the AI system as we learned more about it.

Bionatur uses state-of-the-art technology in the greenhouse. Was it easy to integrate Crop Controller into your existing greenhouse systems?
Absolutely. The integration of Crop Controller with our existing Priva Climate Computer was smooth with no need for additional equipment. We simply connect our greenhouse to the Crop Controller portal, and its algorithms began working on the available data we stored.

Did you have any concerns about using an AI solution like Crop Controller? How has our team addressed them? Did it meet your expectations?
Initially, I had concerns about fully trusting an AI system. As humans, it takes time to feel comfortable relying on something we can’t see or talk to face-to-face. However, the team at Blue Radix was incredibly supportive and always there to explain how everything worked. They helped us set parameters and addressed any concerns we had right away. I was particularly surprised at how quickly the AI learned from our data. My expectations were exceeded in terms of how fast and efficient the setup was.

What do you think Crop Controller can do for you in the coming years?
In the coming years, I see Crop Controller becoming an even more integral part of our operations. It’s already handling climate control, and soon it will manage irrigation. This technology will allow our growers to spend more time inside the greenhouse, reviewing strategies and making decisions to achieve optimal results. I expect it to increase our efficiency and provide a significant competitive edge.

What advice would you have for greenhouse companies who haven’t started with autonomous growing yet?
My advice is simple: Don’t wait. AI is not just the future; it’s happening now. If you’re not exploring AI solutions, you risk falling behind. The setup is simpler than you might expect, especially if you already have modern systems in place, and the benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and competitive advantage are enormous. Autonomous growing is a solution that can transform your business.

Conclusion
As Bionatur continues to innovate and embrace AI technology, René Tort Llanos stands as a testament to the power of integrating human expertise with advanced solutions. The journey toward autonomous growing is not just about technology; it’s about enhancing the human experience in horticulture.

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