Consumers are being encouraged to make the most of locally-grown tomatoes this Christmas, with a bumper crop and some interstate restrictions having resulted in an oversupply in SA.
Tomatoes are very affordable at the moment, creating an opportunity for consumers to enjoy them as a staple ingredient for many dishes over the coming summer months.
Only 3 South Australian businesses have tested positive for the exotic tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), the first time the virus has been detected in Australia.
ToBRFV has no impact at all on human health, but reduces yield for growers, which is why the focus has been on eradicating the virus.
The eradication is one step closer as the nationally-agreed ToBRFV Eradication Response Plan is now in action, giving growers confidence the virus is contained and can be wiped out.
While the situation is ongoing, some key milestones have been achieved on the path towards eradication.
In late October, PIRSA successfully persuaded the Queensland and Western Australia Governments to open their markets to our tomato growers under certain conditions.
To date, all businesses that have been tested for market access have had no detections of ToBRFV, allowing them to sell to those states. Most non-infected properties are still able to trade with the other states without restrictions.
The Government of South Australia also launched a dedicated laboratory in Adelaide to process tests as quickly as possible while adhering to nationally-agreed protocols.
As a result, test turnaround times have significantly improved for businesses undergoing testing. Our laboratory at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) continues to work alongside the laboratories in NSW and Victoria to maximise testing capacity, and private laboratories are seeking national accreditation to provide additional capability if needed.
The virus spreads incredibly quickly and, if established, would cost Australian growers millions of dollars each year in reduced yield and management. Australia has a unique opportunity to eradicate this virus and protect our nation’s tomato industry from the devastating economic impacts seen overseas where the virus has gone unchecked.
Support for impacted growers remains available through PIRSA’s Family and Business (FaB) mentor service and can be contacted via the Recovery Hotline 1800 931 314 or by email on PIRSA.Recovery@sa.gov.au. This service is free of charge.
Find more information on PIRSA’s ToBRFV response including market access requirements, see Tomato brown rugose fruit virus.
