By Clint Thompson The prolonged dry period sweeping across the Southeast benefited tomato producers in the North Florida/South Georgia region. Growers welcomed the dry conditions that helped save the crop from bacterial spot disease. Josh Freeman, an agronomist and regional manager with TriEst Ag Group, discussed the impact that minimal rainfall had on tomato production. “Everything started off really bad. …
Tomato Prices High Following Hurricane Ian
By Clint Thompson Tomato prices are extremely high right now. Unfortunately, there’s not much supply for growers to take advantage. “North Florida and South Georgia are probably the only domestic supply of tomatoes we’ve got for the foreseeable future,” said Josh Freeman, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor in horticultural science. Freeman estimated those …
Florida Tomato Specialist: Promotions, Marketing Need to Improve
By Clint Thompson Florida’s tomato industry needs to improve its promotional efforts in educating consumers about the benefits of supporting locally grown produce. That is the stance shared by Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executivevice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange. He stressed during the Florida Tomato Conference in Labelle, Florida earlier this month that Florida …
Downstream Pricing Upends Tomato Suspension Agreement
By Clint Thompson One tomato industry expert remains frustrated at the lack of enforcement over the Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA). Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executivevice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, voiced his frustrations at the Florida Tomato Conference in Labelle, Florida, over the Agreement. It is an agreement between the Department of Commerce (DOC) and signatory …
Tomato Industry Expert Voices Frustration Over TSA
By Clint Thompson One tomato industry expert remains frustrated at the lack of enforcement over the Tomato Suspension Agreement (TSA). Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executivevice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, voiced his frustrations at the Florida Tomato Conference in Labelle, Florida, over the Agreement. It is an agreement between the Department of Commerce (DOC) …
Florida Tomato Leader Optimistic Amid Plethora of Challenges
By Clint Thompson One tomato industry expert voiced his optimism Wednesday about the upcoming season despite numerous challenges facing Florida growers this year. Speaking Wednesday at the Florida Tomato Conference in Labelle, Florida, Michael Schadler, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, highlighted the strengths and challenges of Florida’s tomato industry ahead …
Registration Deadline for Tomato Conference
Florida tomato growers and industry leaders have until Monday, Aug. 29 to pre-register for the upcoming Florida Tomato Conference. It is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the LaBelle Civic Center in LaBelle, Florida. The cost is free for employees of Florida tomato growers/packers, sponsors, presenters and university affiliates. The cost is $50 for other attendees. Registration after Aug. 29 …
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus on Rise in North Carolina
By Clint Thompson High populations of thrips meant a surge in tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in North Carolina tomatoes this season. Inga Meadows, North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension specialist, discusses the uptick in thrips activity this year. Since thrips vector the virus, that meant more incidences of TSWV. “In some parts of North Carolina, we’ve had quite a bit …
Tomato Season: Prepare for Bacterial Spot
By Clint Thompson Tomato season may have just ended in North Florida, but the fall crop will soon be planted. Josh Freeman, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor in horticultural science, estimates planting will begin around July 20-23. But growers should be mindful of one disease that could threaten the fall crop, especially amid …
Bacterial Spot a Concern for Fall Tomato Crop
By Clint Thompson Tomato season may have just ended in North Florida, but the fall crop will soon be planted. Josh Freeman, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) associate professor in horticultural science, estimates planting will begin around July 20-23. But growers should be mindful of one disease that could threaten the fall crop, especially amid …