North Carolina Extension Launches Tomato Info Portal
North Carolina State University
N.C. MarketReady, a program of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, recently launched the Tomato Growers Information Portal. The new Web resource is the third in a series of sites developed by the program.
The Tomato Growers Information Portal currently features production resources for both greenhouse and field-grown tomatoes from North Carolina State University, including materials on economics, energy management and specialized equipment. Growers will find resources on marketing, food safety, integrated pest management, industry events and risk management specific to North Carolina tomato production. N.C. MarketReady worked with Dr. Chris Gunter, assistant professor in the NCSU Department of Horticultural Science, and other NCSU faculty to develop the portal.
Greenhouse tomatoes, in particular, are experiencing a surge in popularity. The ability to produce crops year round has expanded business opportunities for growers and retailers. Roughly 37 percent of all fresh tomatoes sold in U.S. retail stores are now greenhouse grown. North Carolina ranks seventh in the nation in tomato production, growing more than one million pounds annually.
To access the portal, visit the N.C. MarketReady website at www.ncmarketready.org and click the “Growers Information Portals” tab on the left menu bar.