Topics in industrializing tomato growing
1990
Rymon, D. (Ministry of Agriculture, Bet Dagan (Israel). Agricultural Research Organization, Dept. of Research and Development Economics)
This is the second of two articles, written with the objective of summarizing problems and achievements of the rapidly developing industry of greenhouse tomatoes. Production economics topics are considered here in addition to the major marketing considerations presented and discussed in the first article. The approach is that of an industry entering into the era of "industrial agriculture". The three topics detailed in this paper are: I. The different technologies growers are able to adopt to determine the basic investments, in infrastructure and facilities. Three alternatives of investment intensity are detailed, and farmers are advised of their advantages and disadvantages. II. Current expences, especially the topics in which relative disadvantages were identified: labor efficiency, energy use (to warm or to cool the growth environment), plastic covers, etc. III. Yield, quality and seasonality indicators. The major concern relates to quality factors of the approach to the marketing strategy defined as "long lasting growing season" (October through June); in comparison with a "short marketing period" ("niche") strategy. These two articles do not present an analysis for the grower, but provide the required data and considerations for him to analyze. The variations among the observations obtained from the farms make it difficult - if not impossible - to draw inferences and conclusions. We expect next year's data to suit a real-time analysis to enable growers to develop further the competitive edge of the industry.
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