Chile Expanding Processed Tomato Output

SANTIAGO - Mar 10/04 - SNS -- Tomato paste production is expected to rebound in Chile this year as the industry responds to reported declines in tomato production in the northern hemisphere.

The U.S. agricultural attache here said the industry expects to increase production of tomatoes by contracting for more planting&#059; while total output of tomatoes for processing will increase. Fresh tomato production is expected to fall slightly when compared to previous years, as exports most likely will fall further.

Both planted area and production of tomatoes for processing was up 2003 compared to the previous year. For 2004, another slight expansion from 12,000 to 12,200 hectares and 1,100,000 to 1,120,000 metric tons (MT) is expected for planted area and production respectively.

Chile has an excellent climate for growing tomatoes. Tomatoes for processing are planted from mid-September through early December of each year and harvested from around January 10 through April 15. During the planting season, frosts are an important limiting factor in many growing areas. A dry summer, with significant temperature changes between day and night during the growing season, allows growers to produce tomatoes with a deep red color.

The subscriber version of the article is available by Clicking here