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News

Spread and eradication of ToBRFV in Australia: a major challenge for tomato industries

17/02/2025 - Press release , François-Xavier Branthôme
In December 2024, Australia faced a major biosecurity crisis with the discovery of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in the south of the country. Strict biosecurity measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of ToBRFV, which poses a serious threat to tomato production. Kagome Australia continues to actively monitor the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) situation.

A coordinated national response
Faced with this threat, the National Management Group (NMG), made up of representatives of Australian governments and industry players, rapidly set up an eradication plan. This plan, with a budget of $5 million, includes constant testing, surveillance and monitoring to eliminate the virus and enable tomato production and trade to resume.

AUSVEG, which represents Australia's vegetable, potato and onion growers and the horticultural industry, has played a key role in managing this crisis. The organization adopted a proactive biosecurity approach to limit the spread of the virus, while ensuring that produce could continue to circulate safely in the marketplace.

 
AUSVEG also defended the interests of tomato growers, ensuring that they were financially supported and their costs reimbursed in the event of virus-related losses. Although the tomato industry does not contribute directly to biosecurity levies, AUSVEG stressed the importance of supporting these producers during this difficult period.


Tighter biosafety measures and controls
Strict biosecurity measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of ToBRFV to other parts of Australia. Controls have been tightened and temporary suspensions of Australian tomato imports have been imposed by neighboring countries such as New Zealand and New Caledonia.

AUSVEG urged growers to maintain rigorous farm hygiene, disinfecting tools and equipment, ensuring that staff and visitors followed biosecurity practices, and regularly monitoring crops for any symptoms of the virus.

By December 2024, only three South Australian companies had tested positive for ToBRFV. Significant progress has been made in eradicating the virus, notably with the establishment of a dedicated laboratory in Adelaide to speed up testing and improve response times.

However, new challenges arose in January 2025, with the detection of ToBRFV in a greenhouse in Victoria. This discovery underlined the need for vigilance and enhanced biosecurity measures to protect the entire Australian tomato industry.

The eradication of ToBRFV is crucial for the Australian tomato industry, as the virus can cause considerable economic losses. Should the virus become entrenched, it could cost growers millions of dollars each year in terms of management and reduced yields.

Australia has a unique opportunity to eradicate this virus and protect its tomato industry from the devastating impacts seen in other countries where ToBRFV has not been brought under control.

Kagome Australia continues to actively monitor the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV)
Against this backdrop, Kagome Australia, Kagome Australia continues to actively monitor the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) situation and remains confident that there are no immediate concerns affecting supply. In collaboration with the Australian Processing Tomato Research Council (APTRC), Kagome has assessed the risks and implemented necessary precautions to safeguard operations.

 To date, ToBRFV has only been confirmed on three properties in South Australia and one in Victoria. The detection in Victoria has been directly linked to a specific movement of plant material, and there is no evidence of the virus being present elsewhere in the state. As a further precaution, there will be no further movements to Victoria under the previously agreed pilot program. All affected properties remain under strict biosecurity control to prevent any potential spread.

Kagome’s tomato growers have been advised to continue with their normal season plans, and the company does not anticipate any disruptions at this time. It is important to note that all of Kagome’s seed undergoes rigorous testing before importation, including screening for ToBRFV, ensuring that it remains free from contamination.

Insights from Kagome’s colleagues in California—who have firsthand experience managing ToBRFV—have provided further reassurance. The virus primarily poses a threat in protected environments such as glasshouses, where mechanical transfer is more likely. In contrast, the risk in open-field processing tomatoes is significantly lower due to minimal plant handling and a shorter growing season, which limits the virus's ability to develop and spread.

While the response to any further outbreaks remains uncertain, Kagome, through the APTRC, is actively engaged with key stakeholders to mitigate potential impacts on the industry.

For now, Kagome remains confident that these developments will not affect supply and continue to prioritize the quality and safety of its products. The company will provide further updates as the situation evolves.

Sources: kagome.com.au, hortidaily.com, freshplaza.com, msn.com
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