By Clint Thompson Poor fruit set in tomatoes is a bi-product of the heat and humidity felt across Alabama this time of year; when daytime temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (F) or nighttime temperatures exceed 70 F. Wade Hummer, Alabama Extension agent, discussed poor fruit set during a webinar on Facebook. “Once you start seeing the nighttime temps above 70 …
Tomato Field Day Features New Varieties Under Development
In late May, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma hosted its annual tomato field day. Attendees were able to see new varieties that are in development and attend seminar presentations after the field tour concluded. Jessica Chitwood-Brown, UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticulture and tomato breeding, guided tours …
Florida Tomato Field Day Scheduled for May 26
By Clint Thompson Florida tomato farmers and industry leaders should mark their calendars for this month’s Tomato Field Day, scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Wimauma, Florida. Multiple University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) scientists will present research pertinent to the tomato industry. Tomato breeder Jessica Chitwood-Brown …
Dry Weather Preferred: Alabama Tomato Grower Discusses Current Drought
By Clint Thompson What a difference a year makes for one Alabama tomato producer. Chad Smith, who grows tomatoes in St. Clair County in the central part of the state, is preparing this year’s crop amid unusually dry conditions. It has created a challenging environment to plant tomato plants, though it’s still much better than 2025. “Take last year, it …
Florida Tomato Leader Discusses Crop Following Devastating Freeze Event
By Clint Thompson Florida’s tomato industry was one of many crops impacted by the recent freeze events. Preliminary estimates of losses to the tomato industry reported by Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson were $164.2 million. But it should not take long before the crop rebounds this year, according to Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange. “I came …
Market Price Impact Not Yet Known Following Termination of Tomato Suspension Agreement
By Clint Thompson The impact of the termination of the Tomato Suspension Agreement will not be fully realized for another couple of months, according to one industry leader. Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, said that when the calendar turns to 2026 is when the tomato industry should see the full effect of the agreement’s termination …
AFBF Economist Discusses Impact of Tomato Suspension Agreement’s Termination
By Clint Thompson The U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement’s official termination in mid-July has already impacted tomato prices and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), discussed the Consumer Price Index and its impact during an interview with AgNet Media at last month’s Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. He …
UF/IFAS Specialist Provides Tomato Breeding Update
By Clint Thompson Tomato breeding research remains vital to the long-term sustainability of the industry in Florida. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) tomato breeder Jessica Chitwood-Brown provided an update for growers during the Florida Tomato Conference on Sept. 4. She emphasized the importance of grower interaction and learning what qualities are needed, such as fusarium …
Registration Ongoing for Florida Tomato Conference
By Clint Thompson Registration remains open for the Florida Tomato Conference, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 4 at the John Boy Auditorium in Clewiston, Florida. The event is free for all employees of Florida tomato growers, packers, sponsors, presenters and university affiliates. Other attendees are charged $50. Participants must select the sessions they plan to attend. Early registration will close on …
Tomato Leader: Immediate, Long-Term Impacts From Suspension Agreement Termination
By Clint Thompson The termination of the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement will have immediate and long-term impacts on the tomato industry. Robert Guenther, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, described what he envisions the ramifications will be following last week’s historic decision. “I think as we move from summer into the fall, winter season, I think what you’re …















