1. Weekly News

Bolivia

Borer Worm Infestation Threatens Tomato Crops in Pampa Grande

The Agua Clara community of Pampa Grande in Bolivia faces a severe borer worm infestation, damaging 45% to 50% of tomato crops. Despite collaboration with Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASAG) and the State University in Bolivia, effective control measures have not been found, leaving farmers feeling abandoned. In response, they have increased fumigation efforts to twice a week and are constructing greenhouses to protect their crops. The president of Asociación de Productores 15 de Abril en Pampagrande has called for more support and highlighted the situation's urgency.

Europe

European Tomato Sector Adapts to Challenges with Illuminated Cultivation

The European tomato sector has adapted to challenges like the energy crisis and the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) by implementing illuminated cultivation with LED lighting and resistant varieties. Despite uncertainties in pricing, growers are finding profitability with these methods. A European multinational company is focusing on LED lighting for tomatoes, and the transition to this technology is gaining traction across Europe, supported by subsidies. While illuminated cultivation offers reliable, high-quality produce, its sustainability and transportation challenges remain to be addressed.

France

French Farmers Rally Against Increased Moroccan Tomato Imports

Growers from the French national vegetable association Légumes de France protested in supermarkets during W17 against a recent increase in tomato imports from Morocco. The imports rose by 7.6% year-on-year (YoY) in the 2022/23 season to 424.7 million tons, worth USD 73.5 million (EUR 168 million), marking a 27.5% YoY increase. French producers criticized the competition from Moroccan tomatoes, citing benefits from lower tariffs and wages in Morocco, and demanded clearer import origin labeling. The Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables (FEPEX), reported that a 42% increase in EU tomato imports over the past decade has reduced EU production and contributed to a price crisis.

India

Tomato Prices Soar in India Due to Heatwaves and Dry Weather

The prolonged heat waves and dry weather in India significantly impacted short-duration crops like tomatoes, leading to unexpected increases in vegetable prices. The absence of early monsoon showers and intense heat worsened the situation, affecting the yield of summer crops, fruits, vegetables, and rice crops. The average wholesale price of tomatoes rose by 62% YoY, while retail prices saw a similar increase of 61% YoY.

Kazakhstan

Inspections in Kazakhstan Lead to Destruction of Infected Tomato Imports from Russia

Tomato production is under significant threat from ToBRFV, initially detected in Hungary in 2021 and posing a significant concern for the European Union (EU). On April 22, 2024, the State Agricultural Inspection Committee in Astana, Kazakhstan, identified 2.7 thousand infected seeds and 108 packages of tomatoes imported from Russia contaminated with ToBRFV. Additionally, inspectors in Uralsk seized and burned one ton of infected tomatoes from Russia. This virus is hazardous for tomatoes, though not harmful to humans. In Kenya, 1.3 thousand infected cuttings were destroyed due to an infestation of western flower thrips, resulting in fines for quarantine inspection violations. The inspections led to the destruction of infected seeds, tomatoes, and cuttings, with the owners of the contaminated goods fined and the infected shipments burned.

Spain

Almería Tomato Producers Extend Harvest Amid Favorable Prices

Tomato farms in the Níjar area are experiencing a notable surge in profitability, particularly those growing late Raf varieties, due to market prices exceeding USD 10.85 per kilogram (EUR 10/kg) at the destination. This increase is attributed to reduced production volumes due to cold fronts in spring, resulting in a surge in demand. Despite high retail prices, farmers benefit from auction prices of around USD 7.58/kg (EUR 7/kg). The unusual weather conditions allowed producers to extend their harvest period, but expected temperature rises may stabilize prices.

United States

Florida's Tomato Industry Shifts Towards Mechanization with New Varieties

Florida's tomato industry is transforming with the development of machine-harvestable tomato varieties by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Focusing on traits like jointless pedicels, these varieties aim to mechanize the labor-intensive tomato harvesting process. Cautiously optimistic about the potential balance in labor costs, growers are preparing for large-scale trials to evaluate the economic viability of these new methods. With machine-harvesting prototypes expected for testing soon, Florida's tomato industry is poised for more efficient harvesting practices.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Tomato Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Tomato Pricing Important Exporters (W19 2023 to W19 2024)

Mexico

In W19, tomato prices in Mexico surged by 25% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 2.61/kg. The continued surge in tomato prices can be attributed to several factors, including a severe drought in Mexico's growing regions. This drought has limited the land for tomato cultivation, leading to decreased supply. As a result, the demand for tomatoes has outstripped supply, driving prices up. Additionally, the dependency of many growing areas in Mexico on rainwater further exacerbates the situation, as a lack of adequate rainfall can negatively impact agricultural production. The hope is that these areas receive sufficient rain during the summer to mitigate the effects of the drought and stabilize tomato prices.

Morocco

The wholesale price of tomatoes has surged by 58.82% WoW to USD 0.47/kg, an increase from USD 0.30/kg in W18, with a significant 48.43% MoM increase. This price hike is primarily due to the current scarcity of tomatoes, stemming from the end of the production season in Morocco. Furthermore, decreased production and the prevalence of the ToBRFV virus have contributed to the spike in tomato prices. The national supply is struggling to meet demand, exacerbated by a 40% reduction in the area under tomato cultivation compared to the typical growing period.

Spain

Tomato prices stood at USD 0.98/kg in W19, marking an 8.57% WoW decrease compared to USD 1.07/kg in W18. Additionally, there is a slight monthly decrease, with prices falling 9.15% MoM. This decline is largely due to the persistent drought in Spain, which has significantly reduced tomato production. Farmers have planted only half their tomato crop to conserve water, reducing domestic supply. Concerns about future water availability and the need to import tomatoes with potentially lower quality standards have also contributed to the recent price decrease.

Turkey

During W19, tomato prices in Turkey decreased by 8.57% from USD 1.07/kg in W18 to USD 0.98/kg due to improved weather conditions, leading to a significant increase in supply. The increased availability of tomatoes has resulted in a downward pressure on prices. Additionally, the government's efforts to stabilize the economy and control inflation have decreased tomato prices. Despite Turkey's annual consumer inflation rate (CPI) surging to 69.80% in Apr-24, reaching its highest level in 16 months, up from 43.68% in Apr-23, tomato prices have decreased by 9.15% MoM in May-24.

France

France's tomato prices rose by 2.44% WoW to USD 1.80/kg, driven by increasing temperatures in the country. Despite this weekly increase, there was a notable 13.95% month-on-month (MoM) decrease during W19. This decline can be attributed to adverse weather conditions earlier in the season, which affected domestic production. Additionally, the increase in imports during this period contributed to the overall decrease in tomato prices.

3. Other Outstanding Price Anomalies

Weather Challenges Drive 98.47% YoY Surge in South Africa's Tomato Prices

Wholesale tomato prices in South Africa exhibited volatility in late 2023 and early 2024, with a slight decrease of 10.67% MoM but a significant 121.77% YoY increase in May-24, reaching USD 0.98/kg compared to USD 0.44/kg in May-23. This fluctuation reflects the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in South Africa, which is influenced by various factors such as supply chain disruptions and market dynamics.

Moreover, the tomato industry in South Africa has confronted challenges due to erratic weather conditions, resulting in a surge in prices. These conditions, including flooding and drought, have disrupted tomato production and made it challenging for farmers to maintain crop yields. Additionally, the industry needs help with the emergence of pest resistance to pesticides, further exacerbating the decrease in production levels. Consequently, tomato prices have risen significantly, impacting the industry's sustainability, particularly for smaller producers.

As tomato prices surged, consumers faced higher prices for tomatoes and related products. This price increase impacted household budgets and put pressure on other sectors of the economy, highlighting the interconnectedness of agricultural markets and the broader economy.

4. Actionable Recommendations

Mitigating Price Surges in India

Given the soaring tomato prices in India due to heatwaves and dry weather, supporting farmers in adopting climate-resilient farming practices is essential. Additionally, investing in post-harvest infrastructure can help stabilize prices and reduce waste, ensuring a more sustainable tomato market.

Supporting Local Tomato Producers in France

To address protests against increased Moroccan tomato imports in France, stakeholders should advocate for trade policies that support local producers. Encouraging consumers to buy locally produced tomatoes can help sustain local agriculture and ensure fair competition in the market.7

Transitioning to Mechanization in the US Tomato Industry

As the tomato industry in the US shifts towards mechanization, providing financial incentives and training programs for farmers to transition to mechanized harvesting is essential. This transition can optimize operations and improve industry efficiency.