The tomato industry in California, despite the drought, is reaping huge yields. Production for this year is forecast at 14.5 million tons. That is a 4% increase from the previous year, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Survey (NASS).
Average processing tomato harvests are about 49.5 tons per acre and there are 293,000 acres dedicated to growing tomatoes. This represents an increase of 3% over last year. With nearly half the world's production of processed tomatoes, the US supplies a better part of global tomato product need, according to the California Tomato Growers Association.
The drought that has hit California has not dented tomato production, the Western Farm Press reports. While most growers have been forced to fallow land and cut back on the acreage for many crops, tomatoes enjoyed an increase from last year.
2015 has been a good year for California tomatoes. Low disease rates and reduced pest problems and even cooperative weather all contributed to the bountiful harvest. The harvest started in early July for southern growers and will continue to run until mid-October. Northern growers are also feeling the abundance.
"Everything's ripened early, but it's been a good crop with good flavor," said Aldon Burlison, owner of Burlison's Fruit Stand in Dairyville, Calif. He adds that the occasional triple-digit heat has been good for rapid development but has not damaged crops, Capital Press reports.
"When it cools off, they slow down," Burlison said. "It's been kind of hit and miss. It gets hot and then it gets cool again." Additional proof of the good harvest comes from the Processing Tomato Advisory Board that reports shipments through August 22, 2015 are actually running 8% more than last year.
The going rate of $80 per ton contract price is also good profit for growers. The rate is second only to last year's $83 per ton. It is, in however way you look at it, a good year to be a tomato grower.
