California harvest of mature green tomatoes is currently centered in the Coachella Valley, the very southern part of the state. The desert season started on May 10 and will finish next week, by June 14 or 15. Up until California's season started, the market was strong. "In the three months leading up to the California season, the market was around $20," says Todd Giardina with family owned DiMare Company. "However, as soon as we started, there was a flush of field-grown Rounds from everywhere and the market dropped to $10." Prices have been low since then.
On a positive note, the growing conditions have been very favorable in the desert region. "Water supply has been good, and the quality is excellent with amazing yields," said Giardina. "It's one of the best crops we've ever had."
From the Coachella Valley, the season will transition right into California's Central Valley with most growers starting their harvest on June 17 to the 21st . "It is difficult to provide an outlook on market and price development of the Central Valley season," Giardina said. Other regions like Georgia, South Carolina, and Mexico are also in production and supply is expected to continue to be plentiful for the coming weeks." The Central Valley will continue production until early November before it switches to Florida.
Rounds used to be the main field-grown tomato variety, but some growers have cut back and increased their acreage on Romas, a variety that's gaining popularity. With pricing of both varieties fluctuating, most growers make sure they offer both Rounds and Romas to spread the risk.
For more information:
Todd Giardina
The DiMare Company
Tel: +1 209 862 2872
[email protected]
www.dimarefresh.com