‘No longer feasible’ to eradicate tomato virus in Australia, says gov’t
The Federal Department of Agriculture’s National Management Group agreed it is “no longer technically feasible” to eradicate tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
Now, in a coordinated national effort, they will undertake work to best manage, rather than eradicate, the tomato virus.
The decision from the National Management Group, which is made up of biosecurity experts from federal, state and territory governments, came yesterday, following engagement with the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests and the capsicum and tomato industries.
SA’s Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said if eradication is no longer possible, the government will change its approach.
“Every state and territory up until yesterday wanted to eradicate the virus instead of moving to a transition,” said Scriven.
“South Australia exports 90 per cent of our tomatoes to other states, so the approach every other state takes is important.
“Over the past nine months, South Australia has done an exceptional job in containing ToBRFV to only three businesses and I want to thank all the growers and businesses for their hard work. I know it has been an incredibly challenging time.
“Keeping markets open for South Australian tomato growers has been a priority during the eradication approach, and this will continue to be our priority going forward.”
Queensland, Western Australia and New Zealand all restricted South Australian tomato imports due to the virus in August last year.
Current strategies, like quarantine measures and testing, will continue to contain the spread of the virus until an agreed national approach to manage it is developed.
South Australia contained the virus to three businesses, two unnamed northern growers and Perfection Fresh in Adelaide’s north, since it was first detected in August.
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South Australia’s Chief Plant Health Manager Nick Secomb said they will continue to work with impacted businesses as the Department of Primary Industries and Regions transitions to a management plan.
“This transition will focus on optimising trade and yield as well as minimising the spread,” he said.
“The virus has no known effects on human health, but as we’ve seen, this virus is insidious and can remain viable in seed, plant waste and contaminated soil for months.
“Our advice for all growers whether commercially or at home remains the same – continue being alert to signs of disease in your plants and practice good biosecurity.”
