Original content
In Dec-24, Australia faced a major biosecurity crisis with the detection of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in the south of the country, posing a serious threat to tomato production. The National Management Group (NMG), comprising government and industry representatives, launched a USD 5 million eradication plan focused on testing, surveillance, and monitoring to contain the virus and resume trade. AUSVEG, representing vegetable, potato, and onion growers, has played a key role in implementing proactive biosecurity measures to limit the virus's spread while ensuring safe market circulation of produce. Meanwhile, Kagome Australia continues to monitor the situation as efforts to control the outbreak remain a priority.
The Andhra Pradesh government assures tomato farmers of support despite plummeting prices, with the Transport Minister emphasizing efforts to provide a fair support price. In the Annamayya district, where tomato cultivation spans 4,500 acres, main markets like Madanapalle and Mulakala Cheruvu receive the bulk of daily stocks. On Saturday, officials transported 19.5 metric tons (mt) of tomatoes from these markets to Ongole, Guntur, Vijayawada, and Rajamahendravaram. Under the Central government’s market intervention scheme, authorities sent tomatoes from Annamayya and Chittoor districts to Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. The Centre covers transportation costs to ensure farmers receive USD 0.011 per kilogram (kg).
Moroccan tomatoes were a contentious topic at the Paris Agricultural Show in W8, where Morocco is the guest of honor. The invitation reflects improving Franco-Moroccan relations following France’s support for Rabat’s Western Sahara plan, but it has sparked frustration among European tomato producers. Imports from Morocco have surged in recent years due to competitive prices, declining European production, and rising demand, making Morocco the European Union's (EU) top supplier in 2023 with 491,908 mt, equivalent to 61% of total EU tomato imports. Primarily shipped to France, Moroccan tomatoes are often re-exported to Germany and the Netherlands. With EU imports expected to grow until 2035, a French Agriculture Ministry report has urged local growers to collaborate with European counterparts from France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain to address market challenges.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Russia has harvested 149.1 thousand mt of greenhouse products in the organized sector since early 2025, including 59.7 thousand mt of tomatoes, marking a 2% increase year-on-year (YoY). Several regions, including Stavropol, Perm, Krasnodar Territories, Voronezh, Kaluga, and Leningrad Regions, have significantly increased protected ground vegetable production. The expansion of greenhouse vegetable farming is supported by federal initiatives, with additional regional assistance provided under the federal project for vegetable and potato cultivation development.
In W8, Mexico's tomato prices surged 22.79% week-on-week (WoW) and 25.61% month-on-month (MoM) to USD 1.03/kg from USD 0.84/kg in W7. This sharp increase is primarily due to tightened supply following adverse weather conditions in key producing regions such as Sinaloa and Baja California. Cold temperatures and irregular rainfall have led to lower yields and delayed harvests, constraining market availability. Moreover, recent trade policy changes have exacerbated the situation. On February 1, 2025, the United States (US) President signed executive orders imposing a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico, effective February 4, 2025.
In W8, Morocco's tomato prices surged 126.92% WoW and 90.32% MoM to USD 0.59/kg. This sharp increase is primarily due to cold temperatures and irregular rainfall in key producing regions such as Souss-Massa, Agadir, and Chtouka-Aït Baha, which have led to lower yields and delayed harvests, reducing domestic supply. Moreover, strong export demand from European markets, particularly France and Spain, has intensified competition for available produce, further driving up prices. The onset of Ramadan has also heightened local consumption, adding pressure to the strained supply chain. These factors collectively have contributed to the significant rise in tomato prices during this period.
Spain's tomato prices increased 10.45% WoW and 80.94% YoY to USD 0.74/kg in W8. This is primarily due to adverse weather conditions in Almería and Murcia. Cold temperatures in Feb-25, with daytime averages of 17 to 19°C and nighttime lows of 7 to 9°C, slowed tomato growth and delayed harvests, tightening market supply. Furthermore, excessive rainfall disrupted harvesting schedules and affected crop quality, reducing availability. However, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) reported a warming trend in mid-Feb-25, with temperatures rising to 22 to 24°C, which may improve growing conditions and help stabilize production in the coming weeks.
In W8, Türkiye's tomato prices increased 4.95% WoW, reaching USD 1.08/kg. This rise is primarily attributed to increased export demand, as Türkiye's tomato exports have been rising since they reached USD 536 million in 2023. The heightened demand from international markets has tightened domestic supply, exerting upward pressure on prices. The Turkish tomato market expanded modestly to USD 8.7 billion in 2024, reflecting a 3.5% YoY increase from the previous year, indicating robust domestic consumption alongside export growth.
In W8, France's tomato prices increased 3.51% WoW to USD 1.77/kg. This is despite increased supply from domestic production and imports, mainly from Morocco and Spain, which typically peak during this period. Weaker consumer demand post-holiday season and competition from cheaper imported tomatoes may have limited further price surges. Moreover, mild winter conditions, with temperatures averaging 4 to 10°C, may have extended local greenhouse production, boosting market availability. However, despite higher supply, logistical constraints and quality variations in imported tomatoes could have influenced price fluctuations.
Given the increasing trade tensions and supply disruptions, Moroccan and Mexican exporters should explore alternative markets beyond the EU and the US. This includes establishing new trade agreements, leveraging free trade zones, and participating in international food expos to strengthen ties with regions such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Moreover, exporters should ensure compliance with import regulations, quality standards, and packaging preferences in these markets to facilitate smooth trade.
Investments in cold storage, refrigerated transport, and supply chain optimization should be prioritized in India, Morocco, and Mexico, where price fluctuations often result from seasonal surpluses and post-harvest losses. Establishing more regional cold storage hubs and efficient transportation networks will help preserve tomato quality for longer, allowing for strategic stock management instead of flooding markets with excess supply. Governments and private investors can collaborate on cold chain infrastructure development, possibly through public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Climate instability impacted tomato yields, particularly in Spain, Türkiye, and India, where cold temperatures, irregular rainfall, and excessive heat impact open-field production. Investing in greenhouse expansion and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), supported by government incentives, subsidies, and farmer training, can help ensure more reliable production. Greenhouse technologies such as hydroponics, drip irrigation, and temperature control systems should be encouraged to enhance yield efficiency and reduce climate dependence. Expanding greenhouse farming will protect crops from adverse weather conditions, allowing for year-round production, stable supply, and consistent quality. This will also reduce reliance on imported tomatoes during shortages, benefiting domestic consumers and exporters by ensuring a steady market flow and price stability.
Sources: Tridge, Cbs News, Diario de Morelos, Euractiv, New Indian Express, Specagro, Tomato News, The Hindu
Read more relevant content
Recommended suppliers for you
What to read next
