The detection of a highly transmissible fruit virus that affects tomatoes, capsicums and chillies has triggered a $5 million national eradication response to safeguard confidence in the horticulture industry. Three properties north of Adelaide have destroyed produce worth millions of dollars since being quarantined in August, after tomato brown rugose fruit virus, known as ToBRFV, was detected on their properties.
“A widespread outbreak could result in significant trade disruptions, including export restrictions and regulatory challenges, as well as damage to Australia’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality greenlife products,” McDonald said. The tomato industry is worth $230 million in SA and $800 million nationally, while the wider production nursery sector is worth $2.78 billion annually.