Israeli Tomato Output May Dip

WASHINGTON - Jun 13/06 - SNS -- Fresh and processed tomato production could decline in Israel this year, according to a recent report from the U.S. agricultural attache for the country, in the face of a drop in total planted area.

Last year's harvest ended up at 431,000 MT, of which 171,000 MT were consumed fresh by the local market, 238,000 MT were delivered to processing plants, and the remainder was exported. Production this year is expected to drop to 394,000 MT, of which 200,000 MT will be delivered to processing plants.

"There is a decrease in local production for processing for the second consecutive year. The decrease is a result of a drop in export demand," the agricultural attache said.

Last year's planted area for fresh table tomatoes totaled 1,756 hectares, of which 1,464 hectares were planted in greenhouses and under net-covers. All the cherry tomatoes were planted in greenhouses. Most of planted area for fresh tomatoes is concentrated in the southern parts of the country.

Out of the total greenhouse and net-cover area, 75 hectares were grown organically, unchanged from the previous year. Exports, mainly to Europe, comprised 90% of production. In 2005, organic tomato production totaled 3,300 tons, of which 1,620 were cherry tomatoes (49%) and the remainder was of other varieties.

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