Paul Dimare Balances Job As Nationally Known Tomato Grower With Broad Civic Involvement In Major Philanthropic Efforts

A civic and cultural leader one minute and prominent produce farmer the next, Paul J. DiMare isn’t scared to call out the nation’s economic problems and offer solutions.

"I have not seen one thing positive in any trade agreement," he said. Rather than free trade, he advocated fair trade to help US companies compete with multinational corporations that have moved manufacturing jobs overseas. Free trade, Mr. DiMare argued, has led only to a loss of American jobs and prosperity.

And in farming, he says, there’s only more to come. At one point, 50,000 acres in southern Miami-Dade were dedicated to tomato cultivation. Today, there are only 2,500.

Despite the many challenges farming faces, Mr. DiMare said he relies on hard work and prudence, which he said he learned from his Sicilian-born immigrant grandparents, to weather the industry’ unpredictable ups and downs.

He was interviewed in his Florida City offices by Miami Today Staff Writer Zachary S. Fagenson. To read this profile article in its entirety, subscribe to Miami Today’s E-paper. With the E-paper you will be able to read the entire contents of Miami Today online exactly as it appears in print. Or order this issue, to receive a regular printed copy of this week’s Miami Today. You may also subscribe to the printed edition of Miami Today to receive the newspaper every week by mail. Advertisement