Gary Ibsen's Carmel TomatoFest(R) Releases Clint Eastwood's Rowdy Red Alongside New...

CARMEL, Calif. -- Gary Ibsen's Carmel TomatoFest(R) is releasing Clint Eastwood's Rowdy Red tomato seeds together with more than 450 "best tasting" worldwide tomato varieties. Introduced to the public for the first time last September at Gary Ibsen's Carmel TomatoFest(R),

"Clint Eastwood's Rowdy Red is a tomato rich in color, firmness and bold, tomatoey flavors inviting both feasting and seed-saving," said Ibsen. "I've been growing numerous un-named varieties 'on trial' for several years and this variety in particular, I found to be outstanding! With Clint's permission, I chose to name it Clint Eastwood's Rowdy Red, after his character named Rowdy Yates in the old Rawhide television series."

Also being released to the general public and home garden enthusiasts are Gary Ibsen's Heirloom Tomato Seed Collections. New collections include the Patio Gardener, GIANT, Gary's Favorites and Short Season.

As with the Julia Child heirloom tomato that Ibsen introduced in 2001, a portion of net profits from the sale of Clint Eastwood's Rowdy Red will be donated to "Days of Taste." This national program by the American Institute of Wine & Food brings chefs and farmers to 4th and 5th grade classrooms to teach students about the importance of fresh food and how ingredients weave their way through daily life, from farm to table.

Clint Eastwood's Rowdy Red and 350 other heirloom tomato varieties will be on display for tasting at Gary Ibsen's 15th annual Carmel TomatoFest(R) September 10, 2006 at Quail Lodge Resort in Carmel, California. For information please visit www.tomatofest.com or call 1-888-989-8171.

Gary Ibsen's Carmel TomatoFest(R) is America's favorite harvest festival. Founded by Gary Ibsen in 1991, the TomatoFest(R) has revitalized the appreciation and desire of heirloom tomatoes. Ibsen's belief in sustainable farming and seed saving has inspired him to develop and grow heirloom tomato varieties for more than 30 years. His hands-on production and harvest techniques ensure the highest quality product from harvest to table. For more information visit www.tomatofest.com.