Written by guest author Dr. Dilip Panthee, Associate Professor, Tomato Breeding and Genetics, Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University
Dr. Dilip Panthee
I recently joined the Organic Farming Research Foundation’s team— Gordon Merrick, Policy & Programs Director; Vinnie Trometter, Policy Fellow; and Rebecca Champagne, Conservation Scientist—for a meaningful conversation with staff from Senator Thom Tillis’s and Senator Tedd Budd’s offices. Together, we discussed why the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) is vital for organic tomato growers like those I serve through my research on breeding organic tomatoes to resist new and emerging diseases.
As a tomato breeder at North Carolina State University, I’m focused on helping farmers grow better tomatoes even in the face of rising disease pressure and climate stress. Specifically, I work to develop tomato varieties that are resistant to bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases, while also improving fruit quality and increasing yield. Organic growers face significant risks from common, potentially devastating diseases such as late blight, bacterial spot, early blight, and Septoria leaf spot. These diseases are becoming more prevalent in organic tomatoes grown in the mountains and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, where rising temperature and humidity levels contribute to the problem. Similar trends are also occurring in other mountainous and hilly geographies across the Eastern Seaboard and across the country. Our work seeks to ensure the profitability of organic tomato growers in North Carolina and throughout the United States by developing varieties that are resistant to these emerging diseases.
To do this, I use both conventional and molecular breeding methods to introduce target resistance genes into existing tomato lines. Our program develops and tests these technologies in-house, collaborating closely with organic growers across the state. In other words, we evaluate new varieties under both research station and on-farm conditions to ensure consistent performance. This dual approach enhances our confidence in the varieties we release.
To date, we have successfully combined resistance to multiple diseases in several tomato hybrids, including resistance to late blight, early blight, Tomato mosaic virus, Tomato spotted wilt virus, and Fusarium wilt. While this progress is significant, we continue working to incorporate resistance to other critical diseases, such as bacterial spot and Septoria leaf spot. With continued support, we can expand these efforts further.
But developing better varieties is only part of the equation—we also need to make sure growers know about them. Our close collaboration with extension specialists is vital for disseminating our findings through various channels, informing growers and stakeholders about new developments in our research. Getting this information out to the fields is critical for increasing U.S. tomato production. Organic tomato production in the U.S. has declined in recent years, even as demand and consumption continue to grow. To meet this demand and make production more cost-effective, we need improved varieties with high yield potential and strong disease resistance. Our varieties are well-suited to both conventional and organic farming systems, but are particularly critical in organic systems—where the traditional use of pesticides is restricted.
I ultimately chose the Organic Transitions Program because it naturally aligned with my long-standing interest and work in organic tomato breeding. When the funding opportunity arose, it fit perfectly with my research goals and experience, making it an ideal platform to advance this work.
Our meetings with Senator Tillis’s and Senator Budd’s staff went very well. Both senators’ staff were attentive and interested in how my research impacts the region’s economy. I’m grateful for their time and hope they will support organic agriculture research. To remain competitive, the U.S. organic industry must address disease resistance breeding and improve crop quality. I’m optimistic they will champion this cause.
We can’t afford to stay silent. When researchers speak directly with legislators, they see federal programs in action. Legislators play a key role in shaping policies that directly affect agricultural research. As researchers, we cannot assume they are fully aware of our work and its impacts on local, regional, and national economies. Their support is essential for allowing us to advance work that benefits tomato growers nationwide. Regular engagement with lawmakers helps them understand the value of our research and how it contributes to the competitiveness and sustainability of the U.S. organic industry. I am eager to share my next research publication with these legislators to ensure they’re aware of the cutting-edge research happening in the state they represent.
Use Your Voice
Interested in sharing your research with legislators and highlighting the importance of ongoing public investment in organic research? Enroll in OFRF’s self-paced email course, Communicating with Legislators. This free workshop gives researchers and advocates in the organic farming community the tools to confidently connect with lawmakers and make your work count where decisions are made.