That’s definitely an UglyRipe tomato in case you’re wondering. Apparently consumers like it but the Florida Tomato Committee doesn’t.
The overwhelming majority of comments submitted to the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) support the department’s proposed rule change to grant a partial exemption to the Minimum Grade Requirements for the UglyRipe(TM) tomato, a perennial consumer favorite. The UglyRipe tomato is an heirloom beefsteak variety tomato developed over decades with over $3 million in research funding by Procacci Brothers Sales Corporation. While consumers love the flavor of the variety, its characteristic ridges and crevices prevent it from meeting the shape standards of a typical Florida Round variety.
The Florida Tomato Committee (FTC), a group of competing growers sanctioned by federal law dating to the 1950’s that sets all size and shape standards for tomatoes entering the U.S. market from mid-October to mid-June claimed the UglyRipe was too misshapen and would damage the reputation of the Florida marketplace.
Here’s some of the comments submitted to USDA-AMS:
“I would think that increasing vegetable consumption is something the USDA is very invested in. So why … impede this?”
“We feel it is a tremendous shame that the Florida Tomato Committee is preventing consumers nationwide from enjoying a tomato with a homegrown taste.”
“Sales for the UglyRipe tomato in particular have been very strong. Our customers are looking for that specific tomato and wish to purchase it year-round.”
“They (UglyRipes) are the best tomato I have ever tasted in my life (and I am over 70).”
You can view all the comments posted.