Project Phenix, a semi-closed greenhouse with impressive yields.
Believing in the impossible is already innovating! 🌱
In September 2023, Frédéric Garcia, a tomato grower in Mauguio (34), contacted our teams for a project particularly close to his heart. Beyond the agricultural challenge, this project also marks a new starting point in his life.
His goals❓
- Grow zero pesticide residue tomatoes,
- Withstand increasingly frequent heat waves,
- Reduce his carbon footprint,
- Fit all of this into his budget!
Impossible? Not at Richel Group!
Challenged on these objectives, after several months of research and development, our engineering department designed a one-of-a-kind prototype!
Our solution?
✅ A semi-closed plastic greenhouse with a corridor featuring the latest technologies,
✅ Electrical self-sufficiency with on-site production thanks to photovoltaic panels,
✅ An inflatable double wall providing comfort and self-sufficiency through thermal insulation.
This project is also an incredible human adventure. Thanks to the solidarity of Les Paysans de Rougeline, in particular Davy CLÉMENT and Vincent CLEMENT, Frédéric successfully operated this complex greenhouse and exceeded all expectations!
The first results are impressive:
- Performance on par with glass Venlo semi-closed greenhouses,
- -40% heating consumption,
- 2 to 3°C cooler during heat waves compared to a glass semi-closed greenhouse
👏 This pilot project proves that agricultural innovation can be made more accessible, without sacrificing performance. A great victory for Frédéric, and for all the teams involved in the project.
On Friday, July 11, 2025, we were honoured to welcome for the inauguration:
– François Xavier Lauch, Prefect of Hérault,
– Jérôme DESPEY, President of the Chamber of Agriculture of Hérault
– Georges-François Leclerc, Prefect of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and Bouches-du-Rhône
– as well as our Chairman Benjamin Richel.
📰 Press coverage: the Phoenix Project in the spotlight (in French)
📰 Read the article from “La France Agricole” (in French), retracing Frédéric Garcia’s exceptional journey and the essence of this greenhouse with outstanding yields.
