California's processing tomato sector is poised for a reduction in output following a substantial harvest in 2023 and a decrease in market demand. The California Farm Bureau has disclosed that tomato processors are set to contract for 11.6 million tons this season, marking a downturn of approximately 10% from the previous year's 12.9 million tons. This adjustment is underpinned by a forecasted shrinkage in planted acreage from 255,000 to 232,000, with an anticipated yield of 50 tons per acre.
Attributable to last year's abundant winter precipitation, which sufficiently replenished water reserves, growers were able to achieve one of the most significant yields in recent years, capitalizing on peak prices offered by processors to expand their stockpiles. However, the current softening of demand has led to a strategic reduction in cultivation area, as reported by the bureau.
Source: https://farmprogress.com