Colors from plants, The Toro Company precision irrigation in greenhouses to fight fast fashion

In the agricultural innovation landscape, the collaboration between The Toro Company and Idromeccanica Lucchini represents a concrete example of how two complementary companies can combine expertise and vision to radically transform the agricultural sector.

From this synergy a new model of sustainable, efficient and replicable agriculture is born through shared strategies for precision irrigation in greenhouses.

Toro shares with Idromeccanica Lucchini the goal of making agriculture smarter and more resilient and, by combining their respective product excellence and know-how, they intend to offer integrated and cutting-edge solutions.

 

From tradition to innovation

Idromeccanica Lucchini, founded in 1947 and initially dedicated to the construction of wells and irrigation systems, has now specialized in the design of custom greenhouses capable of meeting the most complex climatic and agronomic needs. Lucchini is also active in the Vertical Farm sector.

Today, with the impact of climate change, greenhouses must protect not only from the cold, but also from extreme heat and intense weather events. Therefore, structures are larger and more technologically advanced to ensure a stable and productive microclimate.

 

A strategic alliance for sustainability

The collaboration between Lucchini and The Toro Company takes shape in projects such as New Generation Farm (NGF), where greenhouse expertise is integrated with Toro's advanced irrigation solutions, supporting efficient and customized production systems.

NGF cultivates dye plants for the natural coloring of fabrics. The high fashion sector is increasingly oriented towards eco-friendly solutions, and the greenhouses built by Lucchini host selected crops to obtain natural and long-lasting shades, in line with the sustainability requirements of the fashion industry.

Founded in 2023, NGF was born from the meeting of experts in the fields of biology and agronomy. Their experience in the plant-based dye sector led them to seek alternatives to traditional methods, which often have a negative impact on the environment and are resource-intensive.

At NGF, technology meets creativity. Crops respond to the textile industry's growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. A concrete example of how agriculture can interact with other sectors, generating value and innovation. Thanks to established collaborations, the company cultivates over 7 hectares.

 

Tempus Air: Smart Irrigation for Advanced Greenhouses

Among the key elements of NGF's production is Toro's Tempus Air system, integrated into Lucchini greenhouses. This technology has automated a process that, until recently, was managed manually in most greenhouses of this type.

The result is a significant reduction in programming times and an improvement in operational efficiency, thanks to the ability to simultaneously manage groups of greenhouses with similar irrigation needs.

Furthermore, the function of automatically dividing working times and breaks within the irrigation windows made it possible, especially on the hottest days, to carry out short irrigations to cool the greenhouse environment.

Intelligent irrigation management in the greenhouse thanks to Toro has brought benefits to plant growth, demonstrating once again how technology can be a concrete ally for sustainability and productivity.

A replicable model for the agriculture of the future

NGF is not just a success story, but a replicable model for all businesses looking to invest in modern, efficient, and sustainable agriculture. It's an example of how technology, intelligently applied, can make a difference today and for future generations. Lucchini and Toro share a forward-looking vision: flexible, technological, and sustainable agriculture. From traditional crops to experimental projects, their collaboration allows them to offer comprehensive solutions, capable of adapting to every production need.