Oct 15, 2024West Coast Tomato Growers combine tradition, innovation
West Coast Tomato Growers is a longstanding generational farm that showcases diversity and supports military veterans.
Founded in 1939 by Harry Singh Sr., Harry Singh and Sons built an agricultural legacy in Oceanside, California. The Singhs are considered the last California pole tomato growers.
In 2011, Harry Singh Jr. restructured the business into West Coast Tomato Growers. It remains the largest U.S. vine-ripe fresh market tomato grower, according to a news release from a micro and drip irrigation supplier Rivulis.
Run by family members, the third generation of farmers continues to combine traditional methods with innovative technology to maintain leadership in the industry.
“We hand-stake over one million poles a year,” Derrick Platz, who oversees fields operations management as well as acting as agricultural pest control adviser, said in the release. “The dedication to our craft; a healthy obsession perhaps, has seen work with partners like the leading micro-irrigation business, Rivulis, to blend new technologies like drip-irrigation using T-Tape, and old-school techniques to cultivate the freshest, finest, hand-picked and hand packed tomatoes, straight from the vine, simple,” continues Platz.
Evolving irrigation practices
The switch from traditional flood irrigation to advanced drip tape technology is a testament to the Singh family’s commitment to efficient, sustainable farming. In the early days, they relied on flood irrigation, a method that drenched entire fields but wasted significant amounts of water. Recognizing the inefficiency, the farm transitioned to drip tape irrigation in the 1970s, delivering water and nutrients directly to the roots.
This precise delivery system creates a “hybrid hydroponic” environment, where the roots receive exactly what they need without excess waste. The innovative approach has yielded impressive results. By monitoring soil and plant health closely, water and nutrient delivery adjusts to optimize growth. Reducing water usage by 25-35% and minimizing fertilizer waste ensures only the highest quality tomatoes while preserving the environment, according to the release.
Supporting military veterans
The U.S. agriculture industry has a history of supporting and honoring our military veterans, and West Coast Tomato Growers is an example of one of these farms. The farm has deep roots in the community, beginning in 1939 at nearby Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base. This historical connection has fostered a tradition of hiring military veterans who bring a unique blend of discipline, strong work ethic, and diligence to the operations.
Veterans play a crucial role in maintaining West Coast’s standards and practices.
“Having the start be perfect sets you up for success; irrigating with Rivulis T-Tape is one of the things that gives me that peace of mind. You are not having more things to worry about once that plant gets to the field. Having drip tape and changing our irrigation practices has helped us increase our yields, cut back on water usage, and cut back on fertilizer usage. We cut our irrigation time by 33%,” Platz said in the release.
Innovation in action
A leader in agricultural innovation, the farm is vertically integrated, from growing seedlings in a greenhouse to dedicated labor operations and packaging and distributing their Oceanside Pole consumer brand.
Platz and his team are dedicated to soil health, regularly incorporating compost and cover crops to maintain rich, fertile soil. These practices prevent erosion, retain essential nutrients, and support a thriving ecosystem.
Paying close attention to every detail, from the quality of the water to the health of the soil, ensures that each plant receives the care it needs to thrive. This leads to stronger, healthier plants that produce better fruit, contributing to the reputation for excellence, according to the release.
Platz is aware this prosperity doesn’t come down to any one person or tool. “The success of West Coast Tomato Growers is a collective effort. From our dedicated veterans to our experienced agronomists, every team member plays a vital role. We work together to monitor and adjust our practices, ensuring that we remain sustainable and productive,” he said in the release.
“Our integrated pest management strategies help us protect our crops from pests and diseases while minimizing the use of chemicals. This careful balance supports both the health of our plants and the environment,” Platz said in the release. “This commitment to quality and sustainability ensures the finest tomatoes from fields to the table. The tomatoes are harvested at their peak, fresh off the vine, without any artificial ripening processes. This dedication to excellence, from the careful cultivation to the meticulous harvesting, is why West Coast Tomato Growers stands out in both taste and quality.”
Based in Kibbutz Gvat, Jezreel Valley, Israel, Rivulis is a global manufacturer and provider of micro and drip irrigation systems for orchards, vineyards, greenhouse, soilless, hydroponic and horticulture applications. Founded in 1966, the company is focused on promoting a sustainable agri-food supply chain both to feed and save the planet from the perils of climate change. Rivulis has research centers in San Diego, California, Greece and Israel.