Tewksbury Farm Places in Top 10 in State's Tomato Contest

Tewksbury’s East Street Farm took home an award in the state’s 31st Annual Tomato Contest Thursday.

On Thursday, Massachusetts environmental officials joined tomato farmers from across the state today at the KITCHEN at Boston Public Market for the Commonwealth’s 31st Annual Tomato Contest. Designed to increase awareness of locally grown produce, this year’s contest drew 92 entries from 18 farms.

After the entries were judged by a panel of food writers, chefs, produce experts and state officials on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape, Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux announced that the top prizes went to farmers from Holliston, Leyden, Granby and North Easton.

Tewksbury’s East Street Farm placed 10th in the “Heaviest” category.

“The Tomato Contest is a great tradition that brings growers together for a little healthy competition and helps strengthen consumers’ awareness of Massachusetts grown produce,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration is dedicated to supporting the more than 7,700 farms that produce clean, healthy, nutritious food for the Commonwealth’s citizens.”

“Today, we highlight the harvest season and the expertise of our local farmers to grow the highest quality fruits and vegetables,” said DAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “Our farmers take great care in growing the most flavorful, plump and tender tomatoes right off the vine.”

In addition to the presentation of awards, Thursday’s Tomato Contest included a Healthy Cooking Demonstration by UMass Extension, tomato tasting and information on nutrition and local farms. The contest is sponsored by DAR, the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and Mass Farmers’ Markets and was hosted by the Boston Public Market Association and Trustees of Reservations.

“We are pleased to host the Annual Tomato Contest at the Boston Public Market and help spotlight farmers from across Massachusetts who help bring fresh, local produce to our tables,” said Liz Morningstar, CEO of the Boston Public Market. “Everything sold at the Market is produced or originates in New England and we are proud to take part in a likeminded event that supports our region’s agriculture.”

“The Trustees are delighted that the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ 31st Annual Tomato Contest is one of the first programs offered in the KITCHEN at the Boston Public Market,” said Mimi Hall, Trustees’ Programming Manager for the Market. “As a founding partner, one of 37 vendors with our Appleton Farms booth, and the programming partner for the Market, we are excited to be part of the growing local food movement in Boston and working with so many partners to present great programs like the TomatoContest that celebrate local agriculture and promote healthy living in the KITCHEN – a true community gathering place.”

Of the more than 7,700 farms in Massachusetts, 759 annually produce more than 8.5 million pounds of tomatoes on 685 acres with a value of approximately $17 million.