Despite recent weather concerns, Florida farms expect an end-of-Winter surge in round tomato production, according to a March 12 newsletter from Lipman Produce. Grape tomatoes are coming off in heavy volumes, but Romas are in short supply. In general, Winter crops are winding down this month and Florida’s Spring crops are expected to become available early April.In the West, Mexico is the main supplier, but volumes and quality of Roma tomatoes have decreased due to rain. Only limited volume is crossing the border and has reports of light color, skin check and other quality concerns. The availability of round tomatoes is better, but similar quality conditions show up. The situation could be problematic for two more weeks- until new growing areas kick off their seasons.
On a more positive note, both Baja and the Mainland of Mexico have strong yields of grape tomatoes. However, alternating rainy then hot, humid weather has affected quality of some Mainland grape tomatoes.
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