California Tomato Growers Harvest 185,000 Acres, Lowest in 30 Years as Sales Rise 8.4%
Updated
Updated · ttownmedia.com · Aug 20
California Tomato Growers Harvest 185,000 Acres, Lowest in 30 Years as Sales Rise 8.4%
1 articles · Updated · ttownmedia.com · Aug 20
Summary
185,000 contracted acres are being harvested in California this season, the lowest level in more than 30 years and the third straight annual decline.
11% less production than 2025 is expected even after a 1% upgrade from January, as processors cut acreage to work down swollen inventories after weak product sales.
8.4% sales growth from June 2025 through May 2026 has helped ease the glut, but industry leaders say balancing supply with demand will still take a couple of years.
Early July heat sped crop development and pushed some harvests ahead of normal, with growers reporting good quality and yields but still watching for late-season weather risks.
2027 may bring better demand or exports, growers say, but the industry expects roughly one more year of restrained acreage unless inventories fall further.