State Agricultural Officials Announce Winners of 2022 Massachusetts Tomato Contest 

BOSTON — Right this moment, Massachusetts agricultural officers joined tomato farmers from throughout the state on the plaza of the Boston Public Marketplace for the Commonwealth’s 37^th Tomato Contest. Designed to extend consciousness of domestically grown produce, this yr’s contest drew 95 entries from 18 farms throughout the state. The competition is sponsored by the Massachusetts Division of Agricultural Sources (MDAR), the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Affiliation, and Mass Farmers’ Markets, and was hosted by the Boston Public Market Affiliation. After the entries had been judged by a panel of meals writers, cooks, produce consultants, and state officers on taste, firmness/slicing high quality, exterior colour and form, MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux introduced that the highest prizes went to farmers from Harmony, Montague, and Sharon.

“It has been my distinct pleasure to host this annual contest to carry consideration to probably the most stunning and different crops right here in Massachusetts,” stated Massachusetts Division of Agricultural Sources Commissioner John Lebeaux. “The standard and number of the tomatoes on show right here at the moment speaks to the talent and ingenuity our hardworking farmers possess in rising these summertime favorites. As all the time, we thank our companions, the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Affiliation, and Mass Farmers Markets for his or her assist in placing this occasion on and the Boston Public Marketplace for internet hosting.”

“On the Boston Public Market, we countdown to tomato season all summer time lengthy and we’re thrilled to work with the Massachusetts Division of Agricultural Sources to host the Tomato Contest as soon as once more,” stated Cheryl Cronin, CEO of the Boston Public Market. “We’re honored to host our area’s native farmers on this competitors as they showcase the fruits and flavors of their labor.”

Of the 7,241 farms in Massachusetts, 517 farms yearly produce greater than 6.7 million kilos of tomatoes on 569 acres with a worth of roughly $14 million. An extra 16.8 acres of tomatoes are grown in greenhouses with an approximate worth of $4.1 million. Customers can discover farmers’ markets, farm stands and different alternatives to purchase native produce right here.

2022 Massachusetts Tomato Contest Winners

Slicing Class-

1^st Place – Verrill Farm, City of Harmony, with a Large Beef Tomato

2^nd Place – Langwater Farm, City of North Easton, with a BHN 589 Tomato

3^rd Place – Ward’s Berry Farm, City of Sharon, with a BHN 589 Tomato

 Cherry Class-

1^st Place – Crimson Fireplace Farm, City of Montague, with a Starlor Tomato

2^nd Place – Siena Farms, City of Sudbury, with a Sungold Tomato

3^rd Place – Crimson Fireplace Farm, City of Montague, with a Solar Peach Tomato

Heirloom Class-

1^st Place – Falls Farm, City of Montague with, a Cherokee Purple Tomato

2^nd Place – Russell Orchards, City of Ipswich, with a Black Prince Tomato

3^rd Place – Verrill Farm, City of Harmony, with a Rose Tomato

Heaviest Class-

1^st Place – Ward’s Berry Farm, City of Sharon, with a Black Krim Tomato weighing 3.83 lbs.

2^nd Place – Verrill Farm, City of Harmony, with a Buffalo Solar Tomato weighing 2.49 lbs.

3^rd Place – Langwater Farm, City of North Easton, with a Striped German Tomato – 2.23 lbs.

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