Testing is required as part of biosecurity measures for tomato export into Western Australia
South Australian growers can now test for Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) without sending samples interstate.
A South Australian-based testing laboratory at the Waite campus of the University of Adelaide has now commenced testing for the virus – a significant next step in the state’s ongoing response to managing the disease.
The testing will be managed by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) at its molecular diagnostic centre, providing growers the ability to meet the confirmed Western Australian certification protocols and continue trade for businesses who have tested negative for the virus.
To enable market access, the South Australia state government has said it will absorb the costs of any required sampling and testing that growers may need to undertake as part of this certification process.
This development follows biosecurity accreditation from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) for the laboratory that will conduct the ToBRFV testing.
Until now, the over 3,700 samples collected have been sent to Victoria and New South Wales, which have had the only laboratories performing the test.
A quality assurance process is underway at the SARDI laboratory, in liaison with the interstate facilities, to refine testing protocols and procedures and validate the ToBRFV test.
“A lot of hard work has been undertaken to get the SARDI testing facility accredited and up and running to test for ToBRV,” said minister for primary industries and regional development Clare Scriven. “This is a very welcome development in our ongoing response to the virus that if left unchecked could have massive consequences to our tomato, capsicum, and chili industries.”
Huan Vo, managing director of Voco Fresh a South Australian tomato and capsicum grower said he was thankful for protocols that allowed exports to Western Australia.
“Which have come at the perfect time because traditionally the South Australia tomato seasons starts in November,” Vo said.
“Yesterday PIRSA staff came to our property to begin testing our farms. Though stringent, the protocols are important to stop the spread of tomato brown rugose fruit virus around Australia.”
The South Australian government is continuing to confirm with Queensland the testing requirements that growers may need to undertake to access the market.
“Having the confirmation of the process and the sampling protocol by which South Australian growers can prove that their product is ToBRFV free, provides greater certainty moving forward and the state government will continue discussions with Queensland regarding their testing requirements,” Scriven said.
Most growers in South Australia who are ToBRFV free or not linked to infected properties have been able to export their produce to all states and territories without further restriction, apart from Western Australia and Queensland.
The state government has said it remains confident that it has determined the extent of the virus, with only three properties found to be infected. However, surveillance and tracing will continue.
“It is important to remind everyone that this virus – while potentially devastating for growers – has no impact on human health,” Scriven said. “South Australian tomatoes are perfectly safe to eat, and I encourage everyone to support your local growers and continue to buy their produce.”
