A recent freeze has decimated tomato crops in Florida where up to 75% of US consumed tomatoes are grown. With up to 70% of Florida crops destroyed it will take some time before the market can 'ketchup'.
This could mean a great deal for consumers as the spring/summer seasons approach. You should expect an increased cost in tomato based goods such as sauce, ketchup, and soups. Any company which produces food where the main ingredients is the fruit will be forced to import tomatoes from Mexico or other areas. The added shipping cost will be transferred to your dinner table.
An even scarier scenario involves foods where the tomato is not a main ingredient. Here you are seeing a temporary disappearance. Fastfood chains and grocery stores have been open an honest about the problem and the shortage.
A solution for you and your lunch: Check out the farmers market, local farms, or maybe set up a few tomato plants on your back porch. The cost will not nearly be as high and you'll be earning some good food karma.
In my opinion it is not the end of the world. So for the coming months I'll have a B.L. sans 'T' for lunch. I'm just thankful it wasn't the 'B'!
Check out CNNmoney for more details.
so how long before we have tomatos?
ReplyDeleteand what will happen as of now for tomatos is the government helping to slove this problem