Contract Tomato Output Jumps 5%

WASHINGTON - Sep 7/06 - SNS -- Food processors in the United States increased contracted tomato production 5% over last year to 10.5 million tons, according to the USDA.

Based on comparable States between 2005 and 2006, a 7% increase in contracted harvested acreage was accompanied by a yield decrease of 0.55 tons per acre.

In California, heavy precipitation delayed planting. Growers were hindered from entering their fields due to muddy conditions and flooded fields. The State's heat wave in mid to late July, in which temperatures ranged from 112-115 degrees, increased disease pressure for early season processing tomatoes. Bacterial spot affected many acres.

In Indiana, the tomato crop is reported to be in good condition despite hail and cool, wet conditions at the start of the season. The poor weather conditions required some processors to replant, which was not complete until mid-June.

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