The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) continues to respond to the detection of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in the Northern Adelaide Plains. To assist growers in maintaining market access, PIRSA has introduced a certification process for exporting crops such as tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies to Western Australia (WA).
Key Market Access Information
Growers must ensure their crops are sampled within ten days prior to harvest, with a not detected result for ToBRFV. Each consignment must be certified by a PIRSA Plant Health Inspector confirming ToBRFV-free status. The South Australian Government will cover the costs associated with sampling and testing required for WA market access.
If you plan to export to WA, complete the expression of intent form available on the PIRSA website and submit it to PIRSA.TomatoMarketAccess@sa.gov.au. A dedicated hotline (1800 182 838) is available for market access enquiries.
Find details on all state movement controls at https://pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv
Upcoming Grower Webinars
Stay updated with the ToBRFV situation by joining PIRSA’s fortnightly Zoom webinars starting Thursday, 31 October 2024, from 4pm to 6pm ACST. For those unable to attend online, the webinars will also be streamed at the Virginia Horticultural Centre, where a Vietnamese interpreter will be available for growers who require assistance.
Assistance Hub for Growers
A dedicated assistance hub is available at the Virginia Horticultural Centre to support businesses, workers, and families impacted by ToBRFV. The hub provides counselling, financial wellbeing services, and industry redeployment assistance. The hub operates Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
For more details on the assistance hub or to access resources in multiple languages, visit https://pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When can I start trading interstate again?
Every state has its own biosecurity requirements. WA has confirmed its process for accepting ToBRFV-free crops, while negotiations with Queensland continue. For the latest details, visit https://pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv.
Crop Sampling Requirements
Only properties identified as suspect or trace premises by PIRSA need to undergo sampling for domestic trade within South Australia. Some states may require approved samples proving your produce is free of the virus, depending on where you want to sell your tomatoes.
Resources and Reporting
PIRSA offers a variety of resources, including the “Come Clean Go Clean” flyers and videos, available in both English and Vietnamese. Growers are encouraged to report anything suspicious to the 24/7 Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881.
For more updates and resources, visit the PIRSA website at https://pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv.
Contact Information
For industry-related queries, contact Jordan Brooke-Barnett, the nominated Industry Liaison Officer, on 0404 772 308. Additionally, PIRSA’s Family and Business (FaB) mentor service is available to support those affected by ToBRFV.
For support, contact PIRSA’s FaB Mentor service at PIRSA.Recovery@sa.gov.au.
Stay Informed
Subscribe to the PIRSA mailing list for the latest industry updates at http://eepurl.com/gAHOFn, or visit https://pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv for more information.
