Eastern NC restaurants almost tomato-less

Dept. of Agriculture: $15 worth of tomatoes a year ago will cost $25 today

By: Arthur Mondale | WNCT
Published: March 09, 2010

Freezing temperatures are having a lingering effect. It's not the weather eastern NC saw, but the cold weather that hit Florida.
Farmers in Florida saw a tremendous amount of damage to their crops. You can see that now in the produce aisle. Check out the price of tomatoes. This is because shipments to North Carolina are far below average.
At Wendy's on Firetower Road in Greenville, customers can order the Bacon Deluxe with all the fixings---but if they forget to ask for tomatoes their burger comes tomato-less.
"I didn't know there was a shortage at all until I came in here and saw the sign over there,” said tomato-lover Lois Littleton. “I think it stinks--I like tomatoes."
Signs posted by Wendy's management last Monday clearly read: Due to weather conditions in Florida the availability of tomatoes are limited.
And you could say Florida's freeze has put a temporary freeze on some folks in the east wallets. According to the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer services, what used to cost $15 worth in tomatoes a year ago will cost you $25 today.
"It's all in demand and supply,” said state marketing specialist Kevin Hardison. “So if production is slow and demand is steady, then obviously your prices are going to go up.”
But Hardison says spring is expected to change things. And our states' tomato season is just weeks away. That combination means tomatoes should be back on burgers soon--without having to ask for them..
The Department of Agriculture says North Carolina ranks sixth in the country for tomato production. Tomato season usually runs from May to October.
The state depends on imports from California and Florida when they're not in season.
However, greenhouse production in the state this year could make up for the shortfall.
Visit www.ncfarmfresh.com to find tomato farmers in your area.