Sacramento, April 7, 2025 – Back by popular demand, Agri-Pulse will be hosting another “Great Tomato Challenge” in Sacramento, starting April 7. The competition is open to members of the California Senate and Assemblymembers and their staff members, who can pick up their tomato plants in the swing space near the capitol today.
“In celebration of both National Agriculture Day and Earth Day, we are launching round two of the 'Great Tomato Challenge,'” said Agri-Pulse Founder Sara Wyant. “Thanks to Senator Melissa Hurtado’s leadership and our generous sponsors, we are offering a fun competition that educates participants about the challenges of growing delicious tomatoes in the Golden State while also helping those most in need of fresh, local food.”
Agri-Pulse will make a $1,000 donation to the winner’s choice of a California Food Bank. The winner will be invited to speak at the Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit in Sacramento on June 10. This year, we will also make a $500 donation to a California food bank in honor of the 2nd place winner. You can learn more about last year’s winner here.
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“We are so excited to again be a sponsor of the great tomato challenge. This challenge allows us to spend time growing our own food, and understanding the challenges it takes to produce great tasting, high-quality fruits and vegetables. We can’t wait to see how the Vegetables by Bayer Seminis® brand Early Girl variety performs with the California State Assembly and Senate and staff,” noted Jenny Maloney, Global-Americas Strategic Accounts Manager at Bayer CropScience Vegetable Seeds.
The Great Tomato Challenge is made possible by a collaboration between Agri-Pulse and several sponsors who are involved with growing and processing fresh fruits and vegetables, including Vegetables by Bayer, Bonnie Plants, California Women for Agriculture, DiMare Fresh, and Morning Star.
“As a third-generation tomato grower, we are always on lookout for new varieties, new geographic regions, and top-notch growers. Our family is excited to help contribute to this fun and unique cause. We are looking forward to the results and the potential for finding new and amazing growers in a unique setting,” said Jeff Dolan, President, DMB Packing Co., a division of DiMare Fresh.
For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com.