FFVA Supports Termination of 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement

Clint Thompson Tomatoes

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) submitted a letter urging the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to approve the Florida Tomato Exchange’s (FTE) request to terminate the U.S.-Mexico Antidumping Tomato Suspension Agreement. The FFVA emphasized the adverse impact of unfair subsidies provided by the Mexican government to its fruit and vegetable industry. The challenges faced by the tomato industry …

FPAA Cites Study with no Basis in Reality to Distract from Mexican Dumping

Jim Rogers Tomatoes

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), which represents importers of Mexican tomatoes, used a misleading study to distract from Mexico’s record of dumping tomatoes.  The study claims that tomato prices will rise by an average of 52% if antidumping duties are imposed on imports of Mexican tomatoes.  This conclusion, however, is based on fantasy and not on market …

Tomato Suspension Agreement Update: Comment Period for DOC Open Through Oct. 23

Jim Rogers Florida, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Is the Tomato Suspension Agreement reducing injury by Mexican imports to the U.S. industry? Michael Schadler, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange believes it has not and serves as the basis for the Department of Commerce (DOC) to eliminate the agreement altogether. Schadler spoke at the Florida Tomato Conference on Sept. 13 and explained to …

Target Spot in Tomato: Growers Can Be More Efficient with Fungicide Sprays

Jim Rogers Disease, Florida, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Florida tomato growers need to be more efficient with their fungicide sprays for target spot disease. According to Gary Vallad, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Florida, producers are currently spraying too many times when they don’t have to. …

Bacterial Spot in Tomatoes: Too Much Fungicide Sprays Can Make Problem Worse

Jim Rogers Disease, Florida, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Tomato producers applying fungicides should be wary the management tactic could exacerbate bacterial spot disease. Gary Vallad, professor of plant pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, spoke at the Florida Tomato Conference in LaBelle, Florida, last week. He cautioned growers to consider the spray …

Upon Further Review: Grafting Tomato Plants Benefits Growers Long Term

Jim Rogers Alabama, Tomatoes

By Clint Thompson Grafting tomato plants may be an expensive venture for commercial growers, but they will be the ones laughing at the end, capitalizing with fruit when supply is limited. Jacob Kelley, Alabama regional Extension agent, encourages his producers to adopt the practice to help overcome diseases that are prevalent in South Alabama. “A lot of these diseases and …

red tomatoes

North Carolina Tomato Growers Association Plans Referendum

Jim Rogers North Carolina, Tomatoes

RALEIGH – The North Carolina (N.C.) Tomato Growers Association will conduct an August referendum on continuing the $20 per acre assessment on harvested commercial tomatoes. Funds generated by the assessment would support research, education and programs to promote N.C. tomatoes. The proposed assessment term is six years, beginning with the 2023 crop. All North Carolina farmers engaged in the production of tomatoes …