Press Release  State Agricultural Officials Announce Winners of the 2026 Massachusetts Tomato Contest

Boston — Today, Massachusetts agricultural officials, local farmers, and “celebrity” judges gathered to take part in the 41^st Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest. Hosted by the Boston Public Market and sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association (NEVBGA), the event spotlights the state’s vibrant agricultural and farming community during the peak of the summer harvest. This year’s competition brought together 103entries from 21 farms across the state, showcasing the incredible variety and quality of locally grown produce in Massachusetts. 

“Our Annual Tomato Contest highlights the resilience, dedication, and skill of our farmers, who work year-round to bring fresh, premium produce to our tables despite all the challenges they face,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “They are vital to our communities and local economies. Choosing local produce means enjoying better flavor while directly supporting the families who sustain our land.” 

An expert judging panel of chefs, food writers, and state officials thoroughly evaluated each tomato on five key criteria: exterior color, flavor, shape, firmness, and slicing quality. After all the results were in and tabulated, MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle, serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the event, announced that the top prizes went to tomato growers from Upper Hand Farm, Verrill Farm, Sow and Savor Farm, and Rota Spring Farm.

"The Boston Public Market is proud to continue the tradition of hosting the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Tomato Contest,” said Boston Public Market CEO Julia Leja. “At BPM, we celebrate local food all year long, but are particularly excited to welcome these farmers and their beautiful tomatoes to culminate three days of our free Summer’s Bounty Festival, highlighting the bounty of New England and all of the growers that make this season so delicious.”

There really is nothing quite like a ripe local tomato in the summer,” said New England Vegetable & Berry Grower’s Association President Trevor Hardy. “Massachusetts growers work long before the growing season to prepare their tomato crop, starting their seeds when there is still snow on the ground, and planting, irrigating, pruning, and picking - all in a very short span but their hard work and dedication is what makes our local tomatoes so special.”

Massachusetts is home to 739 farms that cultivate 520 acres of tomatoes. Together, they yield approximately 5 million pounds of tomatoes annually which is valued at an estimated $12 million. The vast majority of tomatoes grown in Massachusetts go directly for sale at farm stands, farmers markets, and local grocery stores. To find a farmers’ market, farm stand and other opportunities to buy local produce, click here. 

Below are the Top 5 ranked tomatoes in each category of this year’s Tomato Contest:

Slicing Category: 

Cherry Category:

Heirloom Category:  

Heaviest Category:

###