N.Y. greenhouse tomato grower avoids late blight problems

Greenhouse tomato grower Intergrow in Albion, N.Y., has been able to avoid late blight disease problems encountered by many field tomato growers in the state. The cool temperatures and wet weather that have provided ideal conditions for the disease pathogen Phytophthora infestans to attack field tomatoes in the Northeast have not impacted the hydroponic crops grown in the company’s 30 acres of greenhouses. Co-owner Dick Biemans told The Daily News that the greenhouses enable the company to better control the climate. Another advantage is the company can meet traceability standards, which may be required by retailers and the government. The newspaper reports that the loss of field-produced tomatoes has not resulted in a financial windfall for Intergrow. Tomatoes have been shipped in from outside the area to avoid any shortages. The consistent quality and availability of Integrow’s tomatoes are favored by grocery retailers like Wegmans that prefer to purchase locally grown produce.