The Florida Tomato Committee regulates the handling of tomatoes grown in the FTC production area between October 10 and June 15 (see link to map below).  Each year before the start of the season, the Committee approves handling regulations, which govern quality, size, and packaging standards for Florida tomatoes (see link to handling regulations below).  These regulations are in place to assure that wherever you find a Florida tomato, you can be certain that it is of the highest quality.

• Map of FTC Production and Regulated Areas
• FTC Handling Regulations
• USDA Tomato Sizing Rings & Color Charts

APPLICATIONS

Businesses subject to the FTC handling regulations must apply to be a Registered Handler or Registered Repacker each season before handling or repacking Florida tomatoes.  Businesses intending to make special purpose shipments, as defined in the FTC Handling Regulations, must apply for a Certificate of Privilege, and the corresponding buyer or receiver of special purpose shipments must apply to be an Approved Receiver of Special Purpose Shipments.  The applications should be downloaded in PDF format and emailed to diana@floridatomatoes.org or filled out online through the links below.

Registered Tomato Handler:
A tomato handler who is certified as a registered handler is a handler who has adequate facilities to meet the requirements for preparing tomatoes for market, obtains inspection on tomatoes handled, agrees to handle tomatoes in compliance with the order’s grade, size and container requirements, pays applicable assessments on a timely basis, submits reports required by the Committee, and agrees to comply with other regulatory requirements on the handling of tomatoes grown in the production area.

• • • • • • • • • • • • Use this link for the Tomato Handler Application

                        Fill out the form online: Tomato Handler Application

                      • Repacker:
                        A certified Tomato Repacker is a repacker of tomatoes in the regulated area who has the facilities for handling, regrading, resorting, and repacking tomatoes into consumer sized packages and has been certified by the Committee.

                        Use this link for the Repacker Application

                        Fill out the form online: Repacker Application

                      • Certificate of Privilege:
                        Handlers desiring to make shipments of tomatoes for relief, charity, pickling, processing, export, and experimental purposes, or such other purposes.

                        Use this link for the Certificate of Privilege Application

                        Fill out the form online: Certificate of Privilege Application

                      • Approved Receiver of Special Purpose Shipments:                                                          To be a receiver of special purpose shipments (i.e., any shipment needing a Certificate of Privilege), the prospective receiving company must apply each season to be an Approved Receiver.  A separate application is required for each receiver.  The Florida Tomato Committee must approve the application prior to the tomatoes being shipped.  The shipper and receiver will both be notified by the Florida Tomato Committee once approved.

                      • Use this link for the Approved Receiver of Special Purpose Shipments Application

                        Fill out the form online: Approved Receiver of Special Purpose Shipments Application