Virginia is celebrating a bumper crop of tomatoes but battling lingering consumer concern about the safety of tomatoes.

A big Eastern Shore grower reports demand has slowed despite the federal government's assurances Virginia's tomatoes are safe.

Local growers are faring better, but they represent a small share of the market. Tomatoes are Virginia's No. 1 field crop.

Batista Madonia III is sales manager for East Coast Produce. He said he's receiving less per carton and demand is down 30 percent or more.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to prove a tomato link to a salmonella outbreak. Thursday, the government lifted its salmonella warning amid signs that the outbreak may finally be slowing.