RED x Les Crudettes
A pioneering project for a local and more environmentally friendly production
In 2016, the company “Les Crudettes” created an innovative pilot greenhouse to develop an aeroponic salad production technology. It is at the company’s headquarters in Chateauneuf-sur-Loire that the project is developed. “The objective is to allow local production all year round, without pesticides,” emphasizes Armel Collon, Agronomic and Technical Manager.
Les Crudettes are developing the production tool of tomorrow. A system at the cutting edge of technology to meet current and future climate challenges. For the team, this production method allows them to reduce their environmental impact and to facilitate the management of their workforce thanks to a regular production all year round.
Relocating production, managing resources efficiently and recycling waste. These are values shared by the RED Horticulture teams who, through this partnership, are investing in the future of the sector.
Production adapted to the needs of the supply chain
The main production criteria for aeroponics lettuce are the weight per piece, the rate of healthy leaves and the conservation. The choice of the variety is essential. Today, 15 varieties of lettuce are being tested. The RED solution makes it possible to work on each variety with the same lighting, adapting the spectral modalities to the specificities of each one.
A collaborative partnership to develop the most efficient system
Since there is not enough light during the winter period, an artificial lighting system was integrated into the project from the start. Just as the water used for the nutrient solutions is 90% recycled, the lighting must be economical and efficient.
This is the context in which the cooperation with RED Horticulture began. “The first discussions with RED showed a great deal of expertise. Their ideas are based on solid technical fundamentals,” says Armel.
The partnership set up is based on joint work. On the one hand, the trials set up in Chateauneuf-sur-Loire, and on the other hand the support of RED’s photobiology teams. This assistance is reflected in the provision of a bibliography on the light/salad relationship. “This bibliography allowed us to validate ideas, to raise avenues to be explored and to rule out certain hypotheses. “Armel Collon explains.
After validating the cultivation strategies, Les Crudettes would like to pass on their production tools to producers. “We want to move forward quickly to be able to equip producers with the best lighting and the best light spectrum. The salads produced with our tool will not necessarily be sent exclusively to our factories. Producing for the fresh market will also be possible.
TAURUS + SOLSTICE
The proven versatility of TAURUS lighting
Crudettes laboratories are equipped with TAURUS 600 lighting systems, controlled by the SOLSTICE solution. The RED solution allows the spectra to be modified and the intensity to be adapted as the tests progress.
