At Red Tomato, we believe in transparency and trust. Our FAQ section is here to provide clear answers to common questions about our mission, sourcing practices, EcoCertified program, and how we work with farmers, distributors, and consumers. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help!
About Red Tomato
What does Red Tomato do?
Red Tomato coordinates marketing, sales, and wholesale logistics for a network of 40+ family farms in the northeastern US. We help farmers compete in the wholesale market by establishing fair prices, developing packaging and promotional materials, working with scientists on sustainable growing standards, and creating innovative marketing to connect consumers with the people who grow their food.
Why a non-profit?
Our non-profit status allows to us to explore innovative marketing and research new approaches while paying growers a fair price in the very competitive, low-margin, commodity focused produce industry. Our non-traditional, values based model requires a non-traditional organization and support structure!
What are your sources of funding?
Roughly 50% of our funding comes from government and foundation grants, and individual donations. The remainder of our funding is net income from our trade based activities.
Why does Red Tomato focus on regional?
By working with growers throughout the Northeast region, New England, NY, PA and NJ, we can both increase supply and extend seasonal product availability for our customers.
Information for Consumers
Does Red Tomato sell produce grown with GMO (genetically modified organism) varieties?
No. Few, if any, of our growers have experimented with growing GMO crops and RT has no plans to offer them. We are in support of requirements that all GMO products be clearly labeled throughout the supply chain.
Are Red Tomato products organic?
Some of the growers in the Red Tomato network carry Organic certifications, many are certified in our Eco programs. Most use a combination of advanced Integrated Pest Management and other methods to balance ecological, conservation, and product quality goals.
Information for Farmers
How do I sell produce to Red Tomato?
It starts with a conversation!
When we’re taking produce to market, our focus is almost exclusively on wholesale growers – farmers who understand the quality control, packing, and shipping requirements of the retail and/or institutional market.
Wholesale growers also tend to have the infrastructure that helps us aggregate product on the farm, rather than in our own warehouse (which, we don’t have).
Working with Red Tomato is a relationship. We always start small, and it is based on our current market demand, or if we can be of assistance in helping with your current customer base. Please contact us to learn more!
New growers are often referred to us by other growers we already work with. If you have a relationship with one of our current growers, please talk to them about what it’s like working with Red Tomato!
Do you have food safety requirements for new growers?
Yes. At a minimum all growers must have GAP or Massachusetts CQP certification. Our current customer mix requires this, and in some cases has may require additional certification. Because we aggregate on farms, and in 3rd party distribution centers it isn’t possible to keep segregated product that doesn’t meet the basic requirement.