Tomato processors plan to contract for 17% more acreage this year.  California expects its production to expand as much as 30%; all other states expect to produce 10% more this year than in 1998.  California accounts for about 95% of the U.S. processing tomato crop.

The increase is a reaction to "sharply higher wholesale prices for tomato products caused by last year's weather-shortened crop and continued strong consumer demand," says USDA in a just released outlook report on vegetables and specialties.

Bulk tomato paste average prices increased about 45% during the first quarter of 1999 -- the highest paste price since 1990, reflecting California's tight stocks.  Bulk tomato paste is the key raw ingredient used in making tomato products such as sauces, soups, ketchup and juice.

This spring, the report says, the area for harvest of 13 selected fresh market vegetables is 1% greater than a year ago.  With quality and yields likely to improve over last year, available supplies should exceed those of 1998.

Increasing acreage for broccoli, tomatoes and head lettuce "outweighed declining area for cabbage, carrots and bell peppers," according to the report.  Spring melon acreage is up 1% with cantaloupe continuing to trend higher and watermelon acreage sliding for the fifth consecutive year.

Sweet onion production should increase significantly with production expected to increase in both Georgia and Texas with good yields expected in California and Arizona.