June 6-14 is California Invasive Species Action Week! Today, we’re talking about an invasive, parasitic plant called broomrape. Like so many others, it is a threat not just to agricultural crops like tomatoes, cauliflower, peppers and beans, but also to the state’s natural biodiversity.
CDFA’s Broomrape Program helps growers protect California’s processing tomato industry, in collaboration with a Broomrape Board made up of growers, processors, and industry representatives. In 2024, California tomatoes for processing consisted of 228,000 acres planted, had an estimated value of $1.24 billion, and produced 11 million tons of tomatoes.
Susceptible food crops may experience up to 70 percent annual crop losses in areas infested with broomrape. It also impacts commercial seed production and can make agricultural land unusable.
CDFA is a partner of California Invasive Species Action Week! Throughout this week, keep an eye out for our blog and social media posts, along with partner stakeholders agencies and organizations.
Post: June 9, 2026 – CDFA Urges the Public to Protect California’s Citrus from Invasive Pests