Unusually warm weather and rain have brought challenges to Florida's tomato growers. But in spite of those challenges, growers have managed to put out steady volumes.
“We had rain and now high temperatures for a time of year when it should be cooler,” said Thomas Mott of Collier Tomato and Vegetable in Arcadia, Florida. “It made it challenging to get in the ground on time.” Supplies are currently coming out of Central and South Florida, and tomatoes from South Florida should be available well into June.
Prices have been steady so far, and it's expected the market will remain steady through the end of the year. On November 30, a 25-pound carton of loose mature greens was priced at $13.95.
“Demand has been pretty good so far,” said Mott. “Round field-grown tomatoes have been around $12.00 for extra-large, $9.00 for large and $7.00 for medium. That's pretty good pricing.”
