The proposed assessment continues the rate of $20 per acre and would last for six years, starting with the 2023 crop. All commercial tomato producers in North Carolina, including farm owners, tenants and sharecroppers are eligible to vote. Funds generated by the assessment would support research, education and programs to promote Tar Heel tomatoes. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences would collect the assessment and turn the money over to the N.C. Tomato Growers Association to be administered by the board of directors.

Ballots will be mailed to growers on Aug. 21, and those who have not received ballots by Aug. 29 have 10 days to apply for one. Ballots must be postmarked by 5 p.m. Sept. 26 to be counted. The assessment must pass by a two-thirds majority. For more information, contact Ellen Moss at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.685.3989.