State Agricultural Officials Announce Winners of 2019 Massachusetts Tomato Contest
BOSTON — Massachusetts environmental officials joined tomato farmers from across the state today at the KITCHEN at the Boston Public Market for the Commonwealth’s 35th Annual Tomato Contest. Designed to increase awareness of locally grown produce, this year’s contest drew 82 entries from 18 farms across the state.
“The annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest is a highlight of the summer growing season and provides growers across the Commonwealth the opportunity to showcase the delicious tomato varieties grown in Massachusetts,” said Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux. “I encourage all residents to visit their local farmers’ market or farm stand to find local, high-quality tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables at their peak.”
All Massachusetts commercial tomato growers were eligible to submit their tomatoes, which were be judged on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape. After the entries were judged by a panel of food writers, chefs, produce experts and state officials, MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux announced that the top prizes went to farmers from Holliston, Raynham, Sudbury and Pepperell.
In addition to the presentation of awards, today’s Tomato Contest included a Healthy Cooking Demonstration by UMass Extension and tomato tasting. The contest, which is designed to increase consumer’s awareness of local agriculture, is sponsored by the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR), the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and Mass Farmers’ Markets and is hosted by the Boston Public Market Association and the Trustees.
“At the Boston Public Market, we look forward to tomato season all year long and we're thrilled to work with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to host the Tomato Contest again this year,” said Cheryl Cronin, CEO of the Boston Public Market. “Our mission is to support New England producers and provide fresh healthy food to consumers. We're honored to host the best of our state in this competition, as they showcase the fruits of their labor.”
“The KITCHEN at Boston Public Market is thrilled to host MDAR's Annual Tomato Contest, now in its 35th year,” said Cleo Bell, Education and Operations Manager at The KITCHEN. “As the chef-educator here at The KITCHEN, I enjoy teaching people how to cook with the incredible local tomatoes we have received this summer at Boston Public Market. As a judge, I am looking forward to tasting the best of what Massachusetts has to offer. Bring on the competition!”
Of the 7,241 farms in Massachusetts, 517 farms annually produce more than 7.3 million pounds of tomatoes on 569 acres with a value of approximately $13.6 million. Consumers can find farmers’ markets, farm stands and other opportunities to buy local produce here.
2019 Massachusetts Tomato Contest Winners:
Slicing Category
Place |
Farm Name |
Town |
Variety |
1 |
MacArthur Farm |
Holliston |
Tomimaru Muchoo |
2 |
Ward's Berry Farm |
Sharon |
BHN 964 |
3 |
MacArthur Farm |
Holliston |
Trust |
4 |
Langwater Farm |
N. Easton |
BHN 589 |
5 |
Langwater Farm |
N. Easton |
BHN 1021 |
6 |
Verrill Farm |
Concord |
Big Beef |
7 |
C & C Reading Farm |
West Bridgewater |
Big Beef |
8 |
Kimball Fruit Farm |
Pepperell |
Indigo Blue Beauty |
9 |
Freedom Food Farm |
Raynham |
Geronimo |
10 |
Bristol County Ag High School |
Dighton |
4th of July |
Cherry Category
Place |
Farm Name |
Town |
Variety |
1 |
Freedom Food Farm |
Raynham |
Esteria |
2 |
Kimball Fruit Farm |
Pepperell |
Sungold |
3 |
Freedom Food Farm |
Raynham |
Montesino |
4 |
Langwater Farm |
N. Easton |
Sunsugar |
5 |
Under the Sun |
N. Dighton |
Sungold |
6 |
Bristol County Ag High School |
Dighton |
Black Cherry |
7 |
Langwater Farm |
N. Easton |
Braveheart |
8 |
Kimball Fruit Farm |
Pepperell |
Lizzibelle |
9 |
Ward's Berry Farm |
Sharon |
Rojita |
10 |
Cape Abilities Farm |
Dennis |
Saduka |
Heirloom Category
Place |
Farm Name |
Town |
Variety |
1 |
Sienna Farms |
Sudbury |
Brandywine |
2 |
Ward's Berry Farm |
Sharon |
Arkansas Traveler |
3 |
Ward's Berry Farm |
Sharon |
Paul Robeson |
4 |
MacArthur Farm |
Holliston |
Yellow Brandywine |
5 |
Verrill Farm |
Concord |
Aussie |
6 |
Kimball Fruit Farm |
Pepperell |
Mortgage Lifter |
7 |
Kimball Fruit Farm |
Pepperell |
Marvel Stripe |
8 |
Sienna Farms |
Sudbury |
Striped German |
9 |
Revision Urban Farm |
Boston |
Cherokee Green |
10 |
Langwater Farm |
N. Easton |
Cherokee Green |
Heaviest Category
Place |
Farm Name |
Town |
Variety |
Weight |
1 |
Kimball Fruit Farm |
Pepperell |
Aussie |
2.126 |
2 |
Five College Farms |
Hadley |
Striped German |
2.095 |
3 |
Ward's Berry Farm |
Sharon |
Striped German |
2.070 |
4 |
Langwater Farm |
N. Easton |
Striped German |
2.041 |
5 |
Hannan Agro Farms |
Beverly |
Yellow Brandywine |
2.009 |
6 |
Rota Spring Farm |
Sterling |
Pineapple |
2.008 |
7 |
C & C Reading Farm |
West Bridgewater |
Beef Master |
1.157 |
8 |
Farmer Dave's |
Dracut |
Brandywine |
1.132 |
9 |
Sienna Farms |
Sudbury |
Striped German |
1.131 |
10 |
Freedom Food Farm |
Raynham |
Striped German |
1.111 |
11 |
Revision Urban Farm |
Boston |
Brandywine |
1.031 |
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