Have you ever picked up a beautiful, locally grown organic tomato at the Farm Store and wondered why it costs more than the one at the grocery store?
It's a fair question.
When prices are compared side by side, local organic produce can seem expensive. But behind every tomato is a story, and a lot more work than many people realize.
The Economics of a Tomato
Growing a single tomato isn't just about planting a seed and waiting for summer.
Here's what goes into producing one tomato on a small organic farm:
Seeds: Carefully selected varieties chosen for flavour, not just shelf life.
Greenhouse Space: Starting seedlings in a heated, protected environment weeks before planting.
Compost & Fertility: Building healthy soil with compost and organic amendments instead of synthetic fertilizers.
Water & Irrigation: Regular care throughout the growing season.
Labour: Seeding, transplanting, pruning, weeding, watering, monitoring for pests, and caring for every plant by hand.
Fair Wages: The people growing your food are skilled workers who are paid fairly for their time, knowledge, and hard work. Investing in local food also means investing in the people who produce it.
Trellising: Supporting plants so fruit grows healthy and stays off the ground.
Harvesting: Picking tomatoes by hand at peak ripeness, often several times a week.
Storage: Carefully handling and storing fresh produce to preserve quality.
Display & Sales: Washing, packing, setting up displays, and spending time at the Farm Store helping customers.
Every tomato represents months of planning and care before it ever reaches your kitchen.
What You're Really Buying
When you choose local organic produce, you're investing in much more than a tomato.
You're supporting:
* Healthy, living soil.
* Sustainable farming practices.
* Fair wages for the people who grow and harvest your food.
* Fresh food harvested at peak ripeness.
* A local food system that keeps farmland productive and communities resilient.
The difference isn't just in the price, it's in the way the food is grown, the flavour on your plate, the people behind the harvest, and the impact your purchase has close to home.
And let's not forget one more thing: local tomatoes simply taste better.
They're sweeter, juicier, and full of the rich tomato flavour summer is meant to have.
Bulk Tomato Pre-Orders Are Now Open!
It's time! Our bulk tomato pre-orders for August and September pick-up are officially open.
If you're planning to make homemade sauce, salsa, ketchup, sun-dried tomatoes, or fill your pantry and freezer for the winter, now's the time to reserve your tomatoes.
Early Bird Pricing Ends August 1
Place your order before August 1 to lock in our Early Bird pricing. After that, prices may increase, and tomatoes purchased from the Farm Store during the season may be priced higher based on availability.
Pre-ordering helps us plan the harvest, reduce waste, and ensure we have exactly what you need.
ORDER TOMATOES NOW
Which Tomatoes Should You Choose?
Paste Tomatoes are dense, meaty, and low in seeds, making them perfect for sauces, salsa, ketchup, and canning.
Round Tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and incredibly versatile—great for fresh eating, soups, sauces, and preserving.
Ordering Options:
Farmer's Choice: We'll pack whichever variety is at its peak when you pick up your order. Most boxes are round tomatoes, but depending on the season, you may receive paste tomatoes instead. Each box contains a single variety, although larger orders (20 lbs or more) may include boxes of both.
Paste Tomatoes Only: Want only Roma (plum) tomatoes? Choose this option and we'll reserve all paste tomatoes for your order.
Round Tomatoes Only: If you'd like only round tomatoes, simply order the Farmer's Choice option and email us with your order number. We'll happily make a note of your preference.