Farmers from North Easton, Raynham, Ipswich, and Sharon win Massachusetts Tomato Contest – The Boston Globe

Four farms placed first Tuesday in the Massachusetts Tomato Contest, which aims to encourage people to buy locally-grown produce during the peak harvest season.

Langwater Farm in North Easton, Freedom Food Farm in Raynham, Russell Orchards in Ipswich, and Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon took home the top prizes for cherry bomb, speckled roman, oxheart tomatoes, and other juicy varieties, according to the statement.

The Boston Public Market Association hosted the 39th annual contest, sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association.

State agricultural commissioner Ashley Randle urged people to show support for farmers and “take advantage” of the fresh tomatoes.

“Late summer is the peak harvest season in Massachusetts which includes tomatoes that our growers have spent a lot of time and effort to produce one of the most delicious local crops available to consumers,” Randle said in a statement.

A panel of food writers, produce experts, and state officials, judged entries on flavor, firmness and slicing quality, exterior color, and shape , the statement said.

The tastiest and best-looking tomatoes were presented by 108 entries from 24 farms located across Massachusetts, the statement said. Approximately 5.9 million pounds of tomatoes are produced every year on 739 farms and 520 acres of land at a value of nearly $10 million dollars in the state, according to the statement.

Trevor Hardy, president of the New England Vegetable and Grower’s Association, said long winters in New England can be challenging for farmers.

“The best compliment is when a customer says, ‘These taste like the tomatoes from my grandmother’s garden when I was a kid,’” he said. “Our tomatoes don’t have to travel very far to get to our customers so we can grow unique heirloom varieties meant for shipping, and for customers, it can be a real summer treat.”

Cheryl Cronin, chief executive officer of the Boston Public Market, said it was an honor to host the competition and showcase the hard work of farmers.

“In New England, we count down to tomato season all summer long and we’re thrilled to celebrate and honor our local farmers,” she said.

Kiera McDonald can be reached at kiera.mcdonald@globe.com.