Massachusetts Tomato Festival Draws 98 Entries

BOSTON - August 23, 2010 - Dozens of tomato farmers from across the Bay State converged on City Hall Plaza today to display the fruits of their labors in the Commonwealth's 26 ^th Annual Tomato Festival. A highlight of the kickoff celebration for Massachusetts Farmers' Markets Week, this year's festival drew 98 entries.

Top prizes went to Pepperell's Kimball Fruit Farm (Slicing, heirloom, & heaviest), and Sharon's Wards Berry Farm (Cherry). A full list of contest winners is attached. Entries were judged by a panel of food writers, chefs, cookbook authors, grocers and state officials.

"What better way to celebrate summer than by honoring local farmers and the 228 farmers' markets throughout the Commonwealth that are a vital part of our state's culture, tradition and economy," said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles.

Commissioner of Agricultural Resources Scott Soares began the award ceremony by reading Governor Deval Patrick's proclamation declaring August 22-28 as Massachusetts Farmers' Market Week.

"Farmers' markets showcase the agricultural diversity of Massachusetts and the benefits of buying local and preserving open space," said Commissioner Soares. "Massachusetts' hard-working farmers continue to supply people throughout the Commonwealth with local goods. Local produce is in abundant supply right now at farmers' markets and roadside stands across the state."

Commissioner Soares noted that this summer's hot and dry weather has been terrific for growing sweet and flavorful tomatoes.

In addition to the presentation of awards, today's Tomato Festival included tomato tasting, recipe demonstrations and information on nutrition and local farms. The festival and contest are sponsored by the Department of Agricultural Resources, the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets, in cooperation with the city of Boston Property Management Department.
 

Massachusetts Tomato Contest Winners, 2010

SLICING CATEGORY
Entry	Farm Name	Town	Variety	Place
16	Kimball Fruit Farm	Pepperrell	Pink girl	1
11	Verrill Farm	Concord	Big beef	2
24	Ward's Berry Farm	Sharon	Scarlet red	3
3	Macone Farm	Concord	Scarlet	4
9	Cape Abilities Farm	Hyannis	Trust 2	5
26	MacArthurs Farm	Holliston	Trust	6
27	MacArthurs Farm	Holliston	Mountain fresh plus	7
8	Cape Abilities Farm	Hyannis	Trust 1	8
15	Kimball Fruit Farm	Pepperrell	Finish line	9
7	Connors Farm	Danvers	Scarlet red	10
CHERRY CATEGORY
Entry	Farm Name	Town	Variety	Place
29	Ward's Berry Farm	Sharon	Mini charm	1
9	Clark Farm	Danvers	Sungold	2
13	Verrill Farm	Concord	Matt's Wild	3
20	Hanson's Farm	Framingham	Sungold	4
18	Kimball Fruit Farm	Pepperell	Brown berry	5
28	Ward's Berry Farm	Sharon	Sungold	6
21	Hanson's Farm	Framingham	Blackcherry	7
3	Macone Farms	Concord	Sungold	8
12	Verrill Farm	Concord	Sungold	9
22	Frietas Farm	Middleboro	Matt's Wild	10
HEIRLOOM CATEGORY
Entry	Farm Name	Town	Variety	Place
19	Kimball Fruit Farm	Pepperell	Pineapple	1
13	Verrill Farm	Concord	Brandywine	2
17	Kimball fruit farm	Pepperell	Romanesco pantano	3
15	Red Fire Farm	Granby	Brandywine	4
12	Verrill Farm	Concord	Black Prince	5
11	Verrill Farm	Concord	Green zebra	6
14	Red Fire Farm	Granby	Juane Flamme	7
8	Clark Farm	Danvers	Red zebra	8
20	East street Farm	Tewksbury	Cherokee purple	9
10	Cape Abilities Farm	Hyannis	Beefsteak	10
HEAVIEST
Entry	Farm Name	Town	Variety	Weight
7	Kimball Fruit Farm	Pepperrell	Pineapple	2.715
5	Verrill Farm	Concord	Aussie	2.34
1	Volante Farm	Needham	Rainbow	2.32
2	Macone Farm	Concord	Mr. Stripey	1.95
3	Rota-Spring Farm	Sterling	Primo	1.94
6	Red Fire Farm	Granby	Cherokee Green	1.91
11	Ward's berry farm	Sharon	Brandywine	1.8
12	Langwater	North Easton	Striped German	1.8
10	Farmer Dave's	Dracut	Mountain spring	1.635
9	East Street Farm	Tewskbury	Mountain spring	1.57

DAR's mission is to ensure the long-term viability of local agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions - Agricultural Development, Animal Health, Crop and Pest Services, and Technical Assistance - DAR strives to support, regulate and enhance the Commonwealth's agricultural community, working to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture's role in energy conservation and production. For more information, visit DAR's website at www.mass.gov/agr, and/or follow us at http://twitter.com/MDARCommish. For your gateway to locally grown products, specialty foods, and fun ag-tivities go to www.mass.gov/massgrown.