Per-capita consumption of processed tomato products in the United States remains with little changes, supported by demand for convenient, value-added products such as sauces, pastes, diced tomatoes, and shelf-stable prepared foods. Annually the U.S. handles millions of tons of processing tomatoes, with production anchored by California, which typically accounts for the majority of acres and tonnage under contract each year.

For the 2024 season, processing tomato production in California, the primary processing state, totaled an estimated 11.1 million tons, down from 2023 levels, reflecting acreage and supply adjustments. For the 2025 season, processors are forecasting approximately 10.2–10.3 million tons of tomatoes on about 200,000–205,000 acres with average yields near 51 tons per acre.

North Carolina growers have the potential to contribute to this supply chain with competitive yields and fruit quality when tomatoes are grown under recommended production practices. Processing tomatoes can serve as a viable diversification or alternative crop in North Carolina, particularly for growers interested in contract-based systems and mechanization opportunities.

North Carolina growers can produce high yields of processing tomatoes. Satisfactory color, pH, sugar and acid content needed to produce a fine quality canned product can be attained if tomatoes are grown according to recommended practices.

Recent enterprise budgets for processing tomatoes in the western United States illustrate the income potential of well-managed, contract-based production systems. A 2023 University of California–Davis cost study for processing tomatoes reported gross returns of approximately $6,300 per acre based on yields near 46 tons per acre and an average contract price of $138 per ton, with net returns of about $1,100 per acre after total production costs. While these figures reflect California production conditions, they demonstrate that processing tomatoes can be a profitable crop when high yields, mechanization, and secure processing markets are in place. In North Carolina, achieving comparable profitability will depend on selecting appropriate cultivars, implementing efficient production and harvest systems, and, most critically, securing reliable access to processing markets through contracts or local processing infrastructure.

Special attention should be given to soil drainage, fertilizers, weeds, nematodes, insect and disease control, and stand establishment. Processing tomatoes may provide a good income for growers.

Successful production of processing tomatoes begins with careful site selection. Experience from major processing tomato regions such as California indicates that well-drained soils are essential to achieve high yields, uniform ripening, and efficient harvest. In North Carolina, well-drained sandy loam or loamy sand soils are preferred to minimize waterlogging, reduce root and crown disease pressure, and maintain fruit quality. Fields with poor internal drainage, a history of severe nematode infestations, or persistent weed pressure should be avoided, as these factors can significantly reduce yield and harvest efficiency.

Soil testing prior to planting is essential. Soil pH should be maintained between 6.2 and 6.8 to optimize nutrient availability and reduce the risk of physiological disorders. Lime and fertilizer applications should follow North Carolina soil test recommendations, while overall fertility strategies may be informed by successful processing tomato programs used in California.

Adequate calcium availability is critical for fruit quality. If soil calcium levels test medium to low, pre-plant application of calcium is recommended to reduce the incidence of blossom-end rot. Pre-plant fertility programs typically include a broadcast application of a complete fertilizer incorporated prior to planting. In fields with adequate soil phosphorus, fertilizers with reduced phosphate content may be used. Boron should be applied cautiously at rates near 1 lb per acre, as tomatoes are sensitive to both deficiency and excess.

A pre-plant nematode assay is strongly recommended to determine population levels and guide management decisions. Root-knot nematodes remain one of the most significant soilborne constraints to tomato production in sandy soils. Where populations exceed economic thresholds, growers should consider fumigation, resistant cultivars when available, and crop rotation strategies consistent with current Extension recommendations.

Cultivar selection is a critical component of successful processing tomato production. California production systems emphasize cultivars with concentrated fruit set, uniform ripening, firm fruit, and suitability for mechanical harvest. These same characteristics are essential for processing tomato systems in North Carolina. Growers should select processor-approved cultivars that meet contract specifications for yield, color, soluble solids, and processing quality. While several cultivars have historically performed well in North Carolina, in most cases the processing contract will specify the cultivar to be grown, based on the desired skin color, processing tolarence, and brix.

Processing tomatoes may be established using transplants or direct seeding (common in Europe), depending on production goals and harvest system. In North Carolina, transplanting dates should generally follow those recommended for round fresh-market tomatoes to avoid frost injury and excessive early-season stress. Growers may produce their own transplants or purchase plants from reputable suppliers. Purchased transplants should be certified free of insects, diseases, and nematodes, and transplant orders should be arranged well in advance of the planting window.

At transplanting, the use of a soluble phosphorus starter fertilizer promotes rapid establishment and early root development. A commonly used program includes applying a starter solution through transplant water. Bed systems should be designed to support fruit uniformity and harvest efficiency. Wide, flat beds are commonly used in processing tomato systems to reduce fruit contact with wet soil and minimize fruit rot during maturation.

Plant population has a strong influence on yield, fruit size, and uniformity. Processing tomato systems commonly target plant populations ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 plants per acre, depending on cultivar growth habit, bed configuration, and harvest method. California production systems often use narrower in-row spacing to promote concentrated fruit set and uniform ripening, practices that may be adapted to North Carolina conditions.

Suggested spacing ranges include:

• 48-inch row spacing with 12 to 16 inches between plants

• 54-inch row spacing with 9 to 12 inches between plants

Effective weed control is essential for maximizing yield and maintaining harvest efficiency. Successful processing tomato systems rely on integrated weed management programs that combine pre-plant incorporated, pre-emergence, and post-emergence herbicides with cultural practices such as crop rotation and timely cultivation. Mid-season weed control is particularly important to prevent interference with harvest operations and to reduce contamination of harvested fruit.

Processing tomatoes require a consistent and proactive insect and disease management program. High-pressure spray equipment, such as drop-nozzle or air-blast sprayers capable of delivering sufficient pressure at the nozzle, is recommended to ensure adequate canopy penetration and spray coverage. Proper spray deposition is especially important in dense canopies typical of high-yield processing systems.

Some growers leave designated access rows to facilitate sprayer movement and later serve as truck or equipment rows during harvest. Fungicide programs should begin at first flower and continue on a regular schedule, with adjustments following significant rainfall events. Insect management should be based on scouting and established economic thresholds. Growers should follow all pesticide label requirements.

Consistent water management is essential for achieving high yields and maintaining fruit quality. Processing tomato systems commonly target approximately one inch of water per week from rainfall and irrigation combined, with adjustments based on soil type, weather conditions, and crop growth stage. Adequate irrigation reduces the incidence of blossom-end rot, sunburn, and yield loss associated with water stress. Farmers should pay special attention to uniform soil moisture throughout fruit development.

Nitrogen management is a key component of processing tomato production. Typical programs include a preplant application of 50 lb per acre and three sidedress applications supplying 30 to 40 lb of nitrogen per acre per application. Potassium may be included in sidedress applications depending on soil test results and anticipated yield. Following heavy rainfall events, supplemental nitrogen applications may be necessary due to leaching losses, particularly on sandy soils.

Most processing tomato cultivars reach harvest maturity approximately 70 to 80 days after transplanting. Modern processing cultivars are bred for concentrated fruit set, allowing harvest to be completed efficiently in a once-over harvest system when mechanization is used. Harvest should not begin until a sufficient volume of fruit has reached full red maturity to ensure economic returns and meet processor quality standards.

Ethephon may be used to synchronize ripening when a small percentage of fruit have reached the pink to red stage. Proper timing is critical to maximize uniform ripening while maintaining fruit quality. Only fully red-ripe fruit should be harvested, and harvest operations should be managed to minimize the inclusion of immature fruit, which can negatively affect processing quality.

Following harvest, tomatoes should be shaded as quickly as possible to reduce heat buildup and prevent quality degradation. Fruit should be delivered promptly to the processing facility to meet contract specifications and preserve color, soluble solids, and overall processing quality.

Mechanical harvesting is a defining feature of modern processing tomato systems and offers a significant opportunity to reduce labor requirements and improve harvest efficiency. Experience from California demonstrates that successful mechanization depends on uniform plant architecture, concentrated fruit set, firm fruit, and compatible bed design. Growers interested in mechanized harvest in North Carolina should work closely with processors and Extension personnel to evaluate equipment compatibility, field layout, and contract requirements before planting.

Research on processing tomatoes in North Carolina is essential to identify realistic yield potential and evaluate the agronomic, economic, and logistical feasibility of this crop under southeastern production conditions. Although processing tomato systems are well established in western states, differences in climate, soils, pest pressure, and rainfall patterns require region-specific research to determine achievable yields, optimize planting windows, and refine fertility, irrigation, and pest management strategies. Applied research is also needed to assess mechanization readiness and quantify production costs relative to yield, which is critical for evaluating profitability and reducing grower risk.