The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is actively managing the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) within the Northern Adelaide Plains. This update provides the latest information on response activities and available support for affected businesses and individuals.
Market Access to Queensland
To export tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies to Queensland, growers must ensure their crops are ToBRFV-free. Requirements include:
- Sampling crops within ten days before harvest, with results confirming no presence of ToBRFV.
- Certification by a PIRSA Plant Health Inspector, validating each consignment as ToBRFV-free.
The South Australian Government will cover sampling and testing costs for market access. Interested growers should complete the expression of intent form on the PIRSA website and email it to PIRSA.TomatoMarketAccess@sa.gov.au.
For further queries, growers can contact the dedicated hotline at 1800 182 838. Comprehensive details on state movement controls are available at pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv.
Assistance Hub in Virginia
The assistance hub at the Virginia Horticultural Centre offers support for businesses and individuals impacted by ToBRFV. Services include:
- Counselling
- Financial wellbeing assistance
- Redeployment support within the industry
Location: Virginia Horticultural Centre, 942 Old Port Wakefield Road, Virginia
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Contact: PIRSA Recovery Hotline – 1800 931 314
Information on hub resources is available in eight languages, including Vietnamese, Dari, Gujarati, Hazaragi, Hindi, Khmer, Nepali, and Punjabi. For full details, visit pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can interstate trade resume?
WA and QLD allow SA growers to export tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies if ToBRFV-free certification is obtained. Each state sets its biosecurity requirements, so check specific conditions before trading.
Is sampling required before trading?
For interstate trade, sampling might be required depending on the destination state. Within South Australia, sampling is only necessary if PIRSA identifies your property for inspection.
For specific state biosecurity regulations, refer to PIRSA’s updates at pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv.
Resources for Growers
PIRSA provides updated resources, including:
- When PIRSA Visits flyer detailing surveillance team visits.
- Come Clean Go Clean flyer with guidelines to prevent virus spread.
- ToBRFV Identification flyer to help recognise symptoms.
Additional resources are accessible at the PIRSA website and the AusVeg Clean Your Farm and Greenhouse Toolkit. For biosecurity tools, visit the Farm Biosecurity website at farmbiosecurity.com.au/toolkit.
Reporting and Additional Support
If you detect any signs of ToBRFV in your crops, report immediately via the 24/7 Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881.
Free and confidential support is available through PIRSA’s Family and Business (FaB) mentor service for those impacted by the virus. Contact FaB mentors at 1800 931 314 or via email at PIRSA.Recovery@sa.gov.au.
For ongoing updates, visit pir.sa.gov.au/tobrfv.
Stay Updated
Stay informed by subscribing to PIRSA’s mailing list at mailchi.mp/sa.gov.au, and find further details on the PIRSA website.
