THE value of the tomato industry has been forecast to increase by 10percent in the 2017-18 financial year, but the unpredictability of the industry has made a Southern Downs grower uncertain our region has benefited.

Farmer Michael Simpson from Ballandean said the weather played a major role in determining the quality of the season.

This year, growers in some areas, including in Applethorpe, were hit by a devastating storm, which ruined acres of produce.

The summer heat has also caused disease to spread throughout some crops, including a third of a patch on Mr Simpson's farm.

Despite this Mr Simpson said his season had started well and his production was consistent, but it was too early to tell whether it was better than previous years.

"It's all to do with supply and demand and supply has to do with the weather,” Mr Simpson said.

"When you get a fair bit of heat, you get a flush come through and you pick a lot more.

"Then the market comes down because there's more tomatoes on the market but no more demand.”

Mr Simpson said l tomatoes were last year going for a good price but the two years prior the price was low, as tomatoes sold for just $12 for a 10kg box.

At the moment tomatoes are sold for $21 a box.

Mr Simpson said growers needed at least $16 a box to cover the cost of production.

"This week demand has picked up but last week there was plenty around, that's the thing with tomatoes they change pretty quick,” he said.

The latest AgTrends report revealed tomato production would reach a value of $298million, sending it higher than the previous five year average.

Increased demand and production are reportedly causing the rise.