ConAgra Foods closed tomato processing plant in Helm, Califo

[bluemingidiot]

After two consecutive years of increased production, tomato processors this year cut the size of contracted tonnage with California growers by nearly 10 percent.

California produces more than 95 percent of the nation's processed tomatoes and about one-third of the world's crop.

The drop in California production comes as global prices for the processed tomatoes remain weak due to an overabundant crop in Italy, which was the world's second-largest producer until 2014 when passed by China. (Check your tomatoes for a "Made in China" label.)

www.cnbc.com/2016/07/28/californias-tomato-business-is-rotten--and-farmers-are-seeing-red.html

[jangirl]

Pretty scary that China is producing so much of our food. All they have to do to starve us out is refuse to send us food! Better stock up on seeds, people!

[bergere]

Pretty sad..... I prefer to support our US farmers.

[paquebot]

Didn't see any reference in the link to Chinese exporting tomatoes to the US. Plant closed because there is a glut of American-produced tomato products. The Chinese are leaders in tomato production due to their own needs and have a very active breeding program. The one which made grape tomatoes popular about 15 years ago was Juliet, developed in China. I've grown a number of Chinese varieties and haven't found a bad one yet. China currently ranks 12th in world exports for tomatoes and tomato products. Canada is 9th and Mexico is 1st, both with the bulk going to the US. Maybe those worried about where their tomato products are coming from should look north and south rather than west!

Martin

[PNP Katahdins]

Aug 2, 2016 1:13:04 GMT paquebot said:

The one which made grape tomatoes popular about 15 years ago was Juliet, developed in China.

Yay for Juliets! They have been super for us this year.

Peg

[ldc]

Yolo County, California is where tons of toms are grown for canning. They are in a 5 yr drought there in the Central Valley. The drought might have something to do with the smaller plantings.