Options are available for growing processing tomatoes; however, this publication will focus on fresh-market tomatoes.
In wholesale marketing, either you or a shipper can take your crop to the market. Shippers generally sell and transport tomatoes for a predetermined price. Wholesale marketing is subject to the most price fluctuations. Marketing cooperatives generally use a daily pooled cost and price, which spread price fluctuations over all participating producers. Local retailers are another possible market, but you must take the time to contact produce managers and provide high-quality tomatoes when stores require them.
Roadside stands (either your own or another grower's) and pick-your-own operations provide opportunities to receive prices higher than wholesale for your tomatoes, but you may have some additional expenses for advertising, building and maintaining a facility, and providing service to your customers. With pick-your-own operations, you save on harvest costs, but you must also be willing to accept some waste and assume the risks of having the public come to your farm. For more information on marketing, consult Agricultural Alternatives: Fruit and Vegetable Marketing for Small-scale and Part-time Growers, Agricultural Alternatives: Developing a Roadside Farm Market , and Agricultural Alternatives: Cooperatives .