Summary of "クルマ屋が本気で挑む農業！工場でつくるトマト＆いちごを徹底取材｜トヨタイムズニュース"
Scientific Concepts, Discoveries, and Nature Phenomena Presented
Utilization of Industrial Waste Heat and CO2 for Agriculture
Toyota repurposes waste heat and CO2 emitted from factory power generators and other processes to heat and cool greenhouses. This creates a carbon-neutral agricultural environment, reducing energy waste and supporting sustainable farming practices.
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Tomato and strawberry cultivation facilities inside Toyota factories employ advanced environmental controls—such as temperature, humidity, and nutrient management—to optimize growth conditions year-round. This includes efforts to grow typically seasonal crops, like winter strawberries during summer.
Smart Agriculture and Robotics
Guided by Asai Farm, a leader in next-generation smart agriculture, Toyota employees learn to cultivate crops using robotics and efficient farming techniques. Mechanized pesticide application reduces labor intensity and improves operational efficiency.
Application of Toyota Production System (TPS) to Agriculture
Toyota applies its manufacturing principles, especially the Toyota Production System (TPS), to farming. This approach focuses on eliminating waste, standardizing work (e.g., tomato harvesting based on color standards), and improving productivity and quality control. As a result, tomato harvesting efficiency has increased 2.5-fold.
Innovative Greenhouse Design
Toyota developed movable aisles in strawberry greenhouses that can be easily opened or closed to maximize cultivation space. This design increases productivity by 1.5 times compared to fixed aisle layouts.
Disease Management in Controlled Farming
Challenges such as infectious diseases affecting tomato leaves and stems impact photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. Diseased plants must be removed promptly to protect overall crop health.
Cultivation of Difficult Varieties
Toyota experiments with challenging crops like white (albino) strawberries, which have low yields and are prone to disease. This reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and overcoming agricultural difficulties.
Community and Social Impact of Factory Agriculture
Produce grown in Toyota factories—including tomatoes and strawberries—is distributed to employees and local communities, such as elderly residents. This promotes health, social connection, and local support without competing commercially with local farmers.
Methodologies and Approaches Shared
Heat and CO2 Recycling System
- Waste heat from factory generators is transported via pipes to hot water tanks.
- Hot water is used to heat greenhouse environments for tomato cultivation.
- CO2 emissions are utilized to enhance plant growth.
Standardization of Harvesting
- A color standard table for tomatoes determines optimal harvest timing.
- This standardization ensures consistent quality and enables even untrained workers to harvest correctly.
Smart Pesticide Application
- Mechanized pesticide applicators attached to carts reduce manual labor and improve efficiency.
Movable Aisle Greenhouse Design
- Aisles in strawberry greenhouses can be opened or closed by turning a handle, minimizing wasted space and increasing cultivation area.
Cross-Disciplinary Training
- Factory employees, originally skilled in automotive production, receive training in agricultural techniques with expert guidance, bridging manufacturing and farming knowledge.
Community Engagement
- Agricultural products are distributed to local residents and volunteers, fostering community ties and social welfare.
Researchers and Sources Featured
- Tomikawa Yuta – Reporter from Toyota Times conducting interviews and coverage.
- Mr. Imura Takahiro – General Manager of the Production Division overseeing factory agricultural projects.
- Asai Farm – Agricultural experts providing guidance on smart agriculture and robotics.
- JA Aichi Toyota – Agricultural cooperative collaborating with Toyota on joint research and human resource development.
- Toyota Motor Corporation – The company implementing these agricultural initiatives.
- Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture – Local government collaborating in agricultural projects.
- Toyota Bell Blitz Rugby Team – Featured consumers of factory-grown tomatoes.
- Local Volunteers (Kirakira Club, Miyoshi City) – Community members receiving and distributing factory-grown produce.
Category
Science and Nature
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