West Virginia’s number of small farms and acreage owned by a family or individuals growing vegetables in the field has not changed between the 2007 and 2012 Agriculture Census, however the number of square feet under protection for vegetables and fresh cut herbs has more than doubled (188,580 in 2007 vs. 440,028 in 2012). Tomatoes make up the largest percentage of crops grown in protected culture at 56% compared to 86% in 2007. Even with fewer square feet in tomatoes it is still the highest value at over $3.7 million in 2012. Most protected culture WV tomato growers are interested in the typical beefsteak types, but also grow vintage lines which lack pest resistances found in newer varieties. This program has the goal of developing pest resistant fresh market tomato varieties with superior organoleptic traits for protected culture production (greenhouse and/or high tunnel). The major focus of our lab in FY 25 will continue to be improving heirloom tomato varieties for use by stakeholders in our state and region.
To learn more, contact Dr. Barbara Liedl at liedlbe@wvstateu.edu.