According to the Utah Farm Bureau, a virus is wiping out large portions of tomato crops in the state. The curly top virus is the suspected culprit; it is likely spread by flies. Also, the dry and brittle plants were likely affected by the cooler spring.
To keep customers happy with orders and to make sure they can find tomatoes at their stands, some growers have resorted to buying from other farmers out of state. “We’re just doing mostly to have some tomatoes for people. It’s not a big money maker for sure,” said one grower.
Source: ksltv.com