Tomato Research
Rapid Response to Rising Temperatures in Fresh-Market Tomato Production for Small Farmers
Rising temperatures are making it harder for small farms to grow fresh-market tomatoes; one of the most popular and valuable vegetable crops in the U.S. In the summer of 2024, extreme heat in Middle Tennessee devastated tomato crops, disrupting local food supply and threatening the livelihoods of small farmers and their customers.
This project, led by Tennessee State University as the recipient of a NIFA grant award for a proposal of the same name, is working directly with affected farmers to develop and test a climate-resilient tomato production system (CrTPS) tailored for small farms. The goal is to help local growers adapt to rising temperatures through smarter farming practices, including the use of heat-tolerant tomato varieties, grafting techniques, improved mulching systems, and smart-agriculture technology to monitor plant and soil health.
The project partners with three experienced tomato farms in Middle Tennessee and includes both research and hands-on extension activities. It will not only pilot these innovations on-farm but also share practical tools and training with other growers through workshops and outreach.
By strengthening the resilience of tomato production, the project aims to safeguard local food systems, support rural economies, and help ensure that families across the region continue to have access to fresh, healthy produce despite increasing temperatures.
