Tomatoes to be cheaper, thanks to FL harvest

A nationwide tomato shortage triggered by hurricanes that slammed into Florida in 2005 is easing because of a plentiful winter harvest, according to Charles Bronson, the state's agriculture commissioner.

“An unusually large amount of number one tomatoes are ready to go,” he said. “The price will be going down so the average person will be able to afford number one, fresh Florida tomatoes.”

In 2005, Florida agriculture had one of its worst years in recent memory, with four storms doing roughly $2.2 billion in damage to crops and farms. October's Hurricane Wilma sent tomato prices up about $1.50 into the $4-a-pound range.

From November to February, Florida supplies more than half the fresh vegetables in the United States.