Large numbers of imported tomatoes along with unusually low prices are currently causing frustration among Norwegian tomato growers, according to Katrine Røed Meberg from interest group Norsk Gartnerforbund.
The still increasing import of tomatoes has already exceeded last year's numbers. This year, 6,177 tons of tomatoes were imported, compared to 5,886 tons in 2017. "We had high expectations because we had agreed in advance which varieties we would grow. Nevertheless, the first blow came as early as July, when we suddenly had 100 tons of unsold Norwegian tomatoes," says Bjarte Åsbø of umbrella organization Grøntprodusentenes Samarbeidsråd.
In order to help the tomato growers, Katrine Røed Meberg is appealing to all Norwegian supermarket chains and wholesalers to buy more Norwegian tomatoes.
Source: www.gartnerforbundet.no / Bondevennen