California: 2022 processing tomato production revised at 9.525 million mT

Contracted production for California processing tomatoes is forecast at 9.525 million metric tonnes (mT, or 10.5 million short tons (sT)), averaging 105 mT/ha (46.9 short tons per acre). The current production forecast is 2% below last year’s contracted production, and 10% below the May forecast. The projected harvested acreage of tomatoes grown under contract is 90,650 ha (224,000 acres), which is 1% lower than in 2021.
Expected production continued to decrease as the season progressed. Acres that were planted early were hit by frost damage that affected yields and crop quality.

Concern over low supply was prevalent as the lack of water availability and high summer temperatures have made it difficult for growers to meet market demand.
Harvest began during the second week of July. At this point, the flow of tomatoes has been consistently below last year. The Processing Tomato Advisory Board published shipments through August 27, 2022, showing a 5% decrease compared to the end of August in 2021. 
This processing tomato estimate is funded by the California League of Food Producers.