South Australia Tomato Virus Incident Raises Sector Communication Concerns
Brown rugose fruit virus case detected in Victoria following cross-border plant movement
A recent incident involving the transportation of tomato seedlings has led to the brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) being detected in Victoria, Australia.
The virus was introduced following an unauthorized shipment from a South Australian grower.
Brown rugose fruit virus poses a significant threat, capable of reducing plant growth by up to 70 percent.
The South Australian grower, Peter Petsios, has attributed the unauthorized shipment to a breakdown in communication with the relevant authorities.
Petsios, who runs SA Tomato, claimed that his company attempted to follow proper protocols.
However, due to a lack of timely communication from Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), Petsios proceeded with the shipment without the necessary plant health certificate.
PIRSA's chief plant health manager, Nick Secomb, stated that the virus spread to Victoria due to an unauthorized movement of seedlings.
Despite that, PIRSA maintained that they informed SA Tomato about the national testing requirements needed for moving products to Victoria.
The seedlings in question were to be delivered to Katunga Fresh, a Victorian enterprise, under a pilot protocol trial.
This trial aimed to support trade but required comprehensive testing before any movement.
At the time of shipment, PIRSA had not cleared the plants for transport, as test results were pending.
Victorian authorities have since confirmed that the virus is contained within a single glasshouse in Goulburn Valley, after implementing movement controls at the Katunga Fresh premises.
Agriculture Victoria reported they were aware of the planned shipment but were not notified of the actual movement until the seedlings had reached Victoria.
This has prompted a review of cross-border trade protocols and communication practices to prevent similar future incidents.
In response to the incident, the pilot program allowing interstate transport of seedlings has been suspended.
Discussions about trade and quarantine measures continue among Australian states to ensure biosecurity risks are effectively managed.
As monitoring and testing proceed, the broader tomato market has not been affected, and authorities work to ensure that controls remain stringent.
The Victorian Farmers Federation awaits further advisory from the government on the matter.
The virus was introduced following an unauthorized shipment from a South Australian grower.
Brown rugose fruit virus poses a significant threat, capable of reducing plant growth by up to 70 percent.
The South Australian grower, Peter Petsios, has attributed the unauthorized shipment to a breakdown in communication with the relevant authorities.
Petsios, who runs SA Tomato, claimed that his company attempted to follow proper protocols.
However, due to a lack of timely communication from Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), Petsios proceeded with the shipment without the necessary plant health certificate.
PIRSA's chief plant health manager, Nick Secomb, stated that the virus spread to Victoria due to an unauthorized movement of seedlings.
Despite that, PIRSA maintained that they informed SA Tomato about the national testing requirements needed for moving products to Victoria.
The seedlings in question were to be delivered to Katunga Fresh, a Victorian enterprise, under a pilot protocol trial.
This trial aimed to support trade but required comprehensive testing before any movement.
At the time of shipment, PIRSA had not cleared the plants for transport, as test results were pending.
Victorian authorities have since confirmed that the virus is contained within a single glasshouse in Goulburn Valley, after implementing movement controls at the Katunga Fresh premises.
Agriculture Victoria reported they were aware of the planned shipment but were not notified of the actual movement until the seedlings had reached Victoria.
This has prompted a review of cross-border trade protocols and communication practices to prevent similar future incidents.
In response to the incident, the pilot program allowing interstate transport of seedlings has been suspended.
Discussions about trade and quarantine measures continue among Australian states to ensure biosecurity risks are effectively managed.
As monitoring and testing proceed, the broader tomato market has not been affected, and authorities work to ensure that controls remain stringent.
The Victorian Farmers Federation awaits further advisory from the government on the matter.
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