- For generations, our growers have been the true stewards of the land and thoughtfully care for the people that work in the fields and in the packinghouses.
- Florida tomatoes are field-grown, handpicked, grown in the warm Florida sunshine.
- Florida growers care for their employees, providing safe and positive working environment including supporting community charitable organizations.
- Food safety is a top priority for Florida growers, employees and the Florida tomato industry.
- Florida growers are committed to socially accountable responsible farming practices.
- Each Florida field-grown tomato shipped from Florida is regulated by a Federal Marketing Order that controls grade, size, quality and maturity. The standards are the toughest in the world and ensure that Florida tomatoes are the best you can buy.
- A medium sized Florida tomato is high in vitamin C and a good source of Vitamin A.
- In addition to being fat-free, a medium sized Florida tomato is low in sodium, contains one gram of fiber and meets 10 percent of your daily potassium needs.
- Florida tomatoes are also the most widely available source of lycopene – a natural antioxidant.
- By incorporating Integrated Pest Management (IPM) into farming practices. IPM allows growers to use GOOD bugs to control pests (BAD BUGS) that threaten our crops – rather than chemical applications. The most often used control for pests are naturally occurring in biological controls. Using disease forecasting models also help to eliminate the need for chemical applications.
- Most of our Florida farm acreage is drip and micro-irrigated, minimizing the use of water. Drip irrigation in our farming practices reduces water consumption on the farm by 70%. With drip irrigation delivering water directly to the plant – weed populations are also greatly reduced. Growers also use computer technology to establish fertilization programs that nourish the plants based upon specific environmental factors. Computer technology in conjunction with drip irrigation ensures the tomato plant uses the least amount of water possible while retaining the health of the plant.
- By planting cover crops and using land rotation, our growers care for the soil and make it possible to farm the same land for several generations. An example of an important cover crop is growing sorghum. This organic matter is folded back into the ground, helping to reduce weed production, while also improving soil quality.
- By using fuel-efficient vehicles and adopting low-till farming strategies to reduce tractor trips through the fields, our growers are committed to reducing emissions.
- Florida growers employ recycling programs that ensure cardboard and plastic materials are recycled throughout the year, and whenever possible bio-degradable products are also used.
- Florida tomato growers invest in research for newer tomato varieties that require less water and fertilizers, resulting in more sustainable farming practices.
