2024 PRE SEASON CALIFORNIA TOMATO CROP UPDATE

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Resilience and Adaptation: Collaborative Efforts Secure Tomato Supply in California

Tomato planting in California for the 2024 season is nearing completion. Despite mild interruptions due to weather, most tomato growers have managed to plant fairly close to schedule. It has been fortunate for California tomato growers to not have to worry about severe weather conditions this planting season because there are other areas that require their focus.

FIGURE 1 - Sugar Beet Leafhopper

A new rule banning the application of neonicotinoids on flowering plants went into effect this year, affecting processing tomatoes among other crops. Traditionally, a significant portion of tomato growers in the southern region of the state, who have experienced curly top damage from sugar beet leafhoppers in the past, or have heard about their neighbors experiencing damage, have used an insecticide in the greenhouse prior to transplanting to protect the young plants from leafhoppers. The leafhoppers are vectors for the curly top virus, which kills the plant (See Figure 1).

Kern County, one of the southernmost growing counties in California, proclaimed a local emergency in early April to protect their 8,000 to 10,000 acres of processing tomatoes by allowing the application of neonicotinoid pesticide if the leafhoppers in that area posed a serious threat. Northern counties with past leafhopper issues followed suit and have declared or are in the process of declaring emergencies, although the rains in the hills resulted in good annual grass growth, which helped to minimize the growth of leafhopper host plants.

News headlines announcing the emergency declaration and use of neonicotinoids caused concerns for some customers over potential supply reliability. However, the emergency declaration is a precautionary safety measure.

FIGURE 2: Branched Broomrape Weed

Another top priority for growers in California as we head into the summer months is the reemergence of the very evasive branched broomrape weed, a parasitic plant that attaches to the plant root below ground (See Figure 2) and can spread with exponential growth. In response to a severe infestation in the Sacramento Valley in the late 1950s, an industry-led effort funded through a marketing order program, which included fumigation, helped remedy the problem along with intensive surveys. With the weed’s reemergence, research has been ongoing both in California and other countries for treatment and eradication. Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross has appointed a committee, and the first organizational meeting was held in mid-May. This committee is tasked with forming a strategic plan on how to cope with broomrape, minimize its growth, and/or eliminate this weed in California.

Morning Star is very active in the prevention and control of these invasive species. However, it should be noted that the issues discussed are currently isolated to particular regions. This is one of the many reasons Morning Star maintains a large, geographically diverse sourcing region. Should an incident occur in one growing region, we can still acquire raw products from the majority of other growing regions, which helps mitigate a catastrophic supply issue.

While growing tomatoes in California can’t be described as a profession without worries, the forethought and actions exhibited through the collaboration of growers and industry allies bring confidence that the tomato supply in California will be sufficient to meet the needs of its customers.

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Damaged plant as a result of the curly top virus.

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Branched broomrape weed in a tomato field.

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2023 POST SEASON CALIFORNIA TOMATO CROP UPDATE

Navigating California’s 2024 Tomato Crop with Caution and Optimism

Processing tomato crops flourished this season thanks to California's exceptional summer and fall growing conditions. Inventory levels have been buffered, and a respectable carryover stock is anticipated for 2024. However, the sunny skies and minimal to no rainfall that facilitated processing until early November have extended into December. While the dry conditions allowed for successful fall ground preparation, California growers, with the holidays approaching, are hopeful for abundant rainfall and snow.

With carryover stocks back in balance, the urgent need to begin transplanting as soon as possible has finally eased. Waiting until late February or early March will provide optimal conditions for the young plants emerging from the greenhouses.

Click to access the CA Department of Water Resources Map

Currently, California's northern and central reservoirs are at around 120% of historical levels and are at approximately 65% of capacity. While this is a positive starting point for 2024, initial California State Water Project (SWP) allocations, as of December 1, stand at only 10% due to minimal precipitation. The Central Valley Project’s (CVP) water allocations are still pending. As the days pass, California's growers eagerly await the anticipated El Niño conditions promising another wet winter.

A primary concern for California's growers is the 2024 tomato contracts. After wrapping up the 2023 crop year with 12.738 million short tons, California's processors are looking towards 2024 with plans for a slightly lower tonnage, yet focusing on keeping factory run rates efficiently high. This presents a challenging situation for the state's growers since many crops in competition with tomatoes, as well as most permanent crops, have faced depressed prices and demand, contributing to a growing interest in tomato contracts despite reduced pricing.

Additional reasons for gratitude and optimism include the minimal damage tomato crops experienced in 2023 from the curly top virus. The Beet Curly Top Virus program has enhanced its state scouting capabilities and research. The wet conditions during the 2023 grower season played a crucial role in minimizing damage from the virus. Furthermore, advancements in tomato genetics continue to improve varieties, resulting in optimal tomatoes for growing and processing with enhanced disease resistance.

A new state-sponsored agency will become active after the first of the year, addressing the broomrape situation in parts of Northern California. This agency will be tasked with forming a strategic plan and mission on how to deal with this menacing parasitic weed. Other countries have taken a strong proactive approach to preventing its spread and have seen great results.

As California's tomato industry navigates the challenges of fluctuating water allocations and reduced contract intentions, the state's growers and processors remain cautiously optimistic. With promising reservoir levels, the industry is poised for success in 2024, provided the anticipated El Niño conditions bring the much-needed rainfall for a prosperous growing season ahead.

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2023 SEASON CALIFORNIA TOMATO CROP UPDATE

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Fruit Fly Fears and Tomato Triumphs: 2023 Crop Reflections

As the season approaches its final stretch, it is an opportune moment to reflect on what has been beneficial for the 2023 California tomato crop and what concerns we should carry forward into next year.

At the top of the list is the precipitation and snowfall that California received during the winter. Our reservoirs were replenished well above historical averages, and the rainfall played a vital role in leaching salts from the soils, which had accumulated during the previous drought years, particularly on lands irrigated with saline groundwater. This abundant water supply eased the pressure on groundwater pumping and allowed for the replenishment of water levels in some groundwater basins.

FIGURE A: Click to View Live Image

Currently, most reservoirs are significantly above historical averages (Figure A ), instilling optimism among farmers regarding the water supply for the 2024 season. Moreover, alongside the healthy carryover water supply in the reservoirs, some farmers were able to bank water for future use. Conditions are favoring an El Niño season through the spring of next year. El Niño, a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, can have far-reaching effects on global weather patterns. While increased precipitation is typically associated with an El Niño year, California's winter patterns are less predictable, and a robust El Niño is required to bring more storms. While this precipitation is beneficial for the water supply, it may lead to interruptions and delays in spring tillage and planting, similar to what we experienced in 2023.

The 2023 California tomato crop was fortunate to be spared from the curly top virus. Leafhopper counts, which are vectors for the disease, were significantly lower compared to previous years, as reported by the Beet Curly Top Virus Control (BCTVC) program. BCTVC had enhanced its scouting efforts after observing increased counts in both the northern and southern growing regions during the 2022 season.

FIGURE B | Photo by Severyn Korneyev

A new insect of concern is the fruit fly, with multiple species now detected in California. The Tau fruit fly (Figure B) was found in the Santa Clarita area, north of Los Angeles, and other species, including the Oriental fruit fly, have been discovered in various counties. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is closely monitoring these fruit flies to prevent their spread and is imposing quarantines as needed. There is a theory that the rise of E-Commerce may be linked to the spread of the fruit fly in California.

While dealing with the presence of fruit flies, the CDFA is also taking proactive measures to prevent the introduction of Tuta Absoluta, also known as the Tomato Leafminer. This destructive pest is well-established in Europe and other tomato-producing regions, and it appears only a matter of time until it is found in California. CDFA's proactive stance is encouraging and offers optimism for the California tomato industry.

Morning Star continues to advance its tomato variety program and collaborates closely with tomato breeders. The goal is to develop high yielding varieties with disease and pest resistance for its growers, as well as varieties with optimal growing characteristics for greenhouse production. Additionally, the company focuses on processing characteristics that are efficient in both the factory and for ingredient customers. This feedback loop, spanning from seed to finished product, creates a platform for all parties associated with Morning Star to maximize their efficiencies.

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