2024 Massachusetts tomato contest winners announced

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)– Massachusetts’ 39 ^th Annual Tomato Contest saw competition between 108 entries from 24 farms located across the state.

The winners were announced Tuesday at the Boston Public Market.

After the entries were judged by a panel of food writers, chefs, produce experts, and state officials on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color, and shape, MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle announced that the top prizes went to farmers from Langwater Farm in North Easton, Freedom Food Farm in Raynham, Russell Orchards in Ipswich, and Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon.

“Late summer is the peak harvest season in Massachusetts which includes tomatoes that our growers have spent a lot of time and effort to produce one of the most delicious local crops available to consumers,” said Commissioner Randle. “The time is now to visit a farmstand or farmers market and take advantage of so many varieties of fresh locally grown tomatoes. We thank the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association for their continued collaboration on another successful event, and to the Boston Public Market for always being such great hosts for this contest that shines a bright light on our fruit and vegetable farmers.”

According to MDAR, Massachusetts farmers produce approximately 5.9 million pounds of tomatoes a year on 739 farms and 520 acres of land and is currently valued at about $10 million.

A map on where you can find farmer’s markets, locally grown produce and farms can be found on the state’s farm locator website.

Below are the 2024 Massachusetts Tomato Contest Winners:

Slicing Category:

Cherry Category:

Heirloom Category:

Heaviest Category:

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.