“It takes a collective, a team to do what we do,” says Derrick Platz, West Coast Tomato Growers.
Rivulis is proud to partner with a longstanding generational farm that showcases diversity and supports military veterans.
Originally founded in 1939 by Harry Singh Sr., Harry Singh and Sons operated from 1939 to 2011 and was restructured in 2011 by Harry Singh Jr. as West Coast Tomatoes Growers. It continues to be the largest vine-ripe fresh market tomato grower in the United States. Now, still run by the family, 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. 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, it 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, ensuring only the highest quality tomatoes while preserving the environment.
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 one of these farms. The farm has deep roots in the community, beginning at Camp Pendleton in 1939. 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 like Derrick play a crucial role in maintaining our exacting standards and innovative 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%,” continues Platz.
Innovation in Action. A leader in agricultural innovation, the farm is vertically integrated from growing their seedlings in their greenhouse to dedicated labor operations, and packaging and distributing throughout the country through their consumer brand, Oceanside Pole. Derrick 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. By 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. “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.
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,” concludes Platz. 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 is why West Coast Tomato Growers stands out in both taste and quality.
