Bionatur's story began in the early 2000s, when the company's founder visited the Netherlands and saw the potential of high-tech greenhouses. "He realized that the future of agriculture was indoors, where you can control variables to maximize production. Mexico had the perfect climate, but nobody was doing this at scale," recalls René Tort Llanos, managing director.
The first 40 hectares of Bionatur greenhouses started operations in 2002, followed by another 40 two years later, making it the country's first large-scale high-tech greenhouse. "We were born big," René says. Over time, the company shifted from round and cluster tomatoes to higher-value varieties like grapes, medleys, cocktail, and later peppers and cucumbers.
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Today, uncertainty hangs over the Mexican tomato sector due to compensatory tariffs in the U.S. "Mexico supplies over 60% of U.S. tomato consumption, nearly 100% in winter," René explains. "No other country can match our installed capacity, consistency, quality, and flavor. We've earned that position through technology."
Bionatur runs both plastic and glass greenhouses, fully automated in irrigation, climate, and ventilation. All 80 hectares operate hydroponically, cutting water use by 70–80% compared to open field, with full water recovery, reuse, and rainwater capture systems. "We make the most of every drop," René emphasizes.
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Sustainability is also backed by certifications such as GlobalG.A.P., PrimusGFS, CTPAT, and Good Agricultural Practices, with Fairtrade underway. "It's not about ticking boxes, we live certifications daily. Social responsibility and residue limits are embedded in our operations," René says.
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Innovation drives the company further: Bionatur was the first in Mexico to implement AI at scale. "We started with 5 hectares, then 10, 20, and now 80 managed entirely by AI," he says. The system optimizes climate and irrigation in real time, freeing agronomists to focus on plant health and development. AI also supports pest trend analysis, staff training, and administration. "AI isn't the future, it's the present. That conviction has made Bionatur a benchmark in high-tech horticulture and sustainable, tech-driven agriculture."
For more information:
Bionatur Invernaderos Biológicos de México
René Tort Llanos, General Manager DPA / Bionatur
[email protected]
http://bionaturmexico.com
