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:
Place
Farm Name
Town
Variety
1
Langwater Farm
North Easton
BHN 589
2
Freedom Food Farm
Raynham
Tomimaru Michu
3
Ward’s Berry Farm
Sharon
Scarlet Red
4
Langwater Farm
North Easton
Ruby Dawn
5
Souza Family Farm
Rehoboth
Primo Red
Cherry Category:
Place
Farm Name
Town
Variety
1
Freedom Food Farm
Raynham
Black Cherry
2
Langwater Farm
North Easton
Sunpeach
3
Upper Hand Farm
Beverly
Sungold
4
Cucurbit Farm
Acton
Cherry Bomb
5
Coonamessett Farm
East Falmouth
Pink Tiger
Heirloom Category:
Place
Farm Name
Town
Variety
1
Russell Orchards
Ipswich
Speckled Roman
2
Sow and Savor Farm
Beverly
Pruden’s Purple
3
Grant Family Farm
West Newbury
Black Krim
4
Ward’s Berry Farm
Sharon
Arkansas Traveler
5
Ward’s Berry Farm
Sharon
Buffalo Sun
Heaviest Category:
Place
Farm Name
Town
Variety
lbs
1
Ward’s Berry Farm
Sharon
Oxheart
2.30
2
Clodhopper Farm
Medfield
Cherokee Carbon
2.26
3
Kitchen Garden Farm
Sunderland
Pink Jazz
2.03
4
Rota Spring Farm
Sterling
Mountain Fresh
2.02
5
Freedom Food Farm
Raynham
Striped German
1.84
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