US (FL): Tomato industry in bad shape
Prices are so low that some farmers are inviting the public to pick their own at the rate of $1 dollar for a 25 gallon container.
"It's a sad story that keeps repeating itself," said grower Mike Hunsader on Wednesday. "The market is on the floor."
He says that local farmers can not compete with tomatoes from Mexico that have flooded the markets.
Of course, a poor market for the grower is often a good one for the consumer, who benefits from the lower prices.
Janet Elledge of Riverview drove south with her mother, Jennie Elledge, and her two children, Karyss and Jadyn.
"It's very cheap entertainment for the kids," Janet Elledge said.
Source: www.bradenton.com